In 15 Seconds
- Sleep until you naturally wake up.
- No alarm clock needed.
- Common on weekends and holidays.
- Means feeling truly rested.
Meaning
It means sleeping until your body is finished resting. You don't set an alarm and simply wake up naturally when you feel like it.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about weekend plans
Ich habe am Samstag keine Termine, ich kann endlich mal wieder ausschlafen!
I have no appointments on Saturday, I can finally sleep in again!
On vacation, talking to a hotel receptionist
Können wir heute Morgen etwas später frühstücken? Wir möchten gerne ausschlafen.
Can we have breakfast a bit later this morning? We would like to sleep in.
Instagram caption
Sonntagsmodus aktiviert: Kaffee ☕ und die Möglichkeit, einfach mal auszuschlafen. Was gibt es Besseres? #sundayvibes #noschool
Sunday mode activated: Coffee ☕ and the chance to just sleep in. What could be better? #sundayvibes #noschool
Cultural Background
The concept of 'sleeping in' is universal, but the German word `ausschlafen` captures a specific cultural appreciation for earned rest. It emerged as industrialization created stricter work schedules, making the ability to `ausschlafen` a symbol of leisure and a break from routine. It reflects a value placed on balancing hard work with well-deserved relaxation.
The 'Aus-' Prefix Power
Remember `aus-` often means 'out'. Think of `ausschlafen` as sleeping *out* of your alarm clock's reach or *out* of the morning rush. It’s a key to unlocking many German separable verbs!
A Sunday Ritual
In Germany, Sundays are traditionally days of rest. `Ausschlafen` on a Sunday morning is practically a national pastime, a cherished ritual symbolizing the end of the work week and the start of relaxation.
In 15 Seconds
- Sleep until you naturally wake up.
- No alarm clock needed.
- Common on weekends and holidays.
- Means feeling truly rested.
What It Means
Ausschlafen is all about indulging in a good, long sleep. It’s not just sleeping; it’s sleeping *until you’ve had enough*. Think of it as your body’s ultimate recharge. You wake up when you naturally feel rested, no alarm clock needed. It carries a vibe of relaxation and freedom from morning rush.
How To Use It
This is a verb you can use like any other. You conjugate it based on who is sleeping in. For example, ich schlafe aus means 'I sleep in'. Wir schlafen aus means 'we sleep in'. It’s super straightforward once you get the hang of it. Just remember the prefix aus- is separable, so it often goes to the end of the sentence in subordinate clauses. But for simple sentences, it usually stays with the verb. Easy peasy!
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you’ve had a crazy week. You’re looking forward to the weekend. You tell your friend, 'Ich freue mich auf Samstag, dann kann ich endlich mal wieder ausschlafen.' (I'm looking forward to Saturday, then I can finally sleep in again.) Or maybe you’re on vacation. Your travel buddy asks, 'Wollen wir früh aufstehen?' (Do you want to get up early?) You might reply, 'Nein, lass uns heute ausschlafen.' (No, let's sleep in today.) It’s perfect for those lazy Sunday mornings or after a late night out. It’s the antidote to early morning meetings!
When To Use It
Use ausschlafen when you have the luxury of time. This means weekends, holidays, or any day you don't have strict morning obligations. It’s for those moments when you want to prioritize rest. Think about after a big party or a long journey. You’ve earned that extra sleep! It’s also great for describing someone else's relaxed morning. 'Meine Kinder schlafen heute aus.' (My kids are sleeping in today.) That’s a parent’s dream, right?
When NOT To Use It
Don't use ausschlafen on a typical workday or school day. Unless you're planning to be very late, of course! If you have to be somewhere at 7 AM, you probably won't be ausschlafen. It implies a choice to sleep longer. So, avoid it if you're waking up early out of necessity. It's not for when you're forced to wake up by an annoying alarm. That's just waking up, not ausschlafen. Unless you're incredibly lucky and your alarm goes off *after* you naturally wake up, which is basically winning the lottery.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse ausschlafen with simply schlafen (to sleep) or wachbleiben (to stay awake). The key is the *duration* and *natural waking*. Using schlafen alone doesn't convey the idea of sleeping *in*. It's like saying 'I eat' instead of 'I feast'! Here are some common mix-ups:
- ✗
Ich schlafe heute lange.→ ✓Ich schlafe heute aus.(While 'I sleep long today' is understandable,ausschlafenis more idiomatic for 'sleeping in'.) - ✗
Ich will lange schlafen.→ ✓Ich will ausschlafen.(The latter specifically means 'sleep in'.) - ✗
Ich muss früh aufstehen, ich kann nicht schlafen.→ ✓Ich muss früh aufstehen, ich kann nicht ausschlafen.(This highlights the contrast between obligation and desired rest.)
Similar Expressions
lange schlafen: This literally means 'to sleep long'. It's very close toausschlafenbut slightly less specific about waking naturally. You could technicallylange schlafenwith an alarm, though it's not common.Ausschlafenalways implies waking up on your own terms.verschnaufen: This means 'to catch your breath' or 'to take a break'. It’s related in the sense of needing rest, but it’s not about sleep itself. More like needing a coffee break after a marathon.sich ausruhen: This means 'to rest' or 'to relax'. It can include sleeping, but also just sitting down and doing nothing.Ausschlafenis a specific type ofsich ausruhen.
Common Variations
ausgeschlafen sein: This means 'to be well-rested'. It describes the state *after* you've managed toausschlafen. 'Ich bin heute Morgen richtigausgeschlafen!' (I'm reallywell-restedthis morning!) It’s the happy aftermath.ausschlafen können: This means 'to be able to sleep in'. It highlights the possibility or opportunity. 'Am Sonntagkannich endlich mal wiederausschlafen.' (On Sunday, I can finallysleep inagain.)
Memory Trick
Imagine a sleepy sheep wearing earplugs, happily snoozing *out* of bed and *out* of its alarm's reach. The aus- part means 'out' – like being *out* of the morning rush. The sheep is schlafen (sleeping), but it’s doing it the special way: ausschlafen! It’s sleeping *out* of obligations.
Quick FAQ
- Q: Is
ausschlafenonly for weekends?
A: Not exclusively! You can ausschlafen on any day you don't have to wake up early. It's about the freedom to sleep longer, not just the day of the week. Think holidays or sick days too!
- Q: Can I use
ausschlafenif I set an alarm but wake up before it?
A: Technically, yes. The core idea is waking naturally when rested. If your alarm is set for, say, 9 AM but you wake up at 8:30 AM feeling great, you could still say you ausgeschlafen (slept in). The alarm becomes irrelevant.
Usage Notes
Ausschlafen is primarily an informal verb. While understandable in most contexts, avoid it in highly formal written communication or professional settings where punctuality and strict schedules are discussed. The key nuance is sleeping until you naturally wake up, not just sleeping for a long duration.
The 'Aus-' Prefix Power
Remember `aus-` often means 'out'. Think of `ausschlafen` as sleeping *out* of your alarm clock's reach or *out* of the morning rush. It’s a key to unlocking many German separable verbs!
A Sunday Ritual
In Germany, Sundays are traditionally days of rest. `Ausschlafen` on a Sunday morning is practically a national pastime, a cherished ritual symbolizing the end of the work week and the start of relaxation.
Don't Confuse with 'Aufwachen'
A common pitfall! `Aufwachen` means simply to wake up (your eyes open). `Ausschlafen` is about sleeping *until* you wake up naturally and feel rested. Saying 'Ich will aufwachen' when you mean 'I want to sleep in' is a classic beginner mistake!
Use 'können' for Possibility
Want to express that you *have the opportunity* to sleep in? Use `können`: 'Am Wochenende `kann` ich endlich `ausschlafen`.' (On the weekend, I can finally sleep in.) It highlights the freedom you have.
Examples
12Ich habe am Samstag keine Termine, ich kann endlich mal wieder ausschlafen!
I have no appointments on Saturday, I can finally sleep in again!
Here, `ausschlafen` emphasizes the freedom from morning obligations.
Können wir heute Morgen etwas später frühstücken? Wir möchten gerne ausschlafen.
Can we have breakfast a bit later this morning? We would like to sleep in.
Used politely to request a later breakfast time, implying a desire for more rest.
Sonntagsmodus aktiviert: Kaffee ☕ und die Möglichkeit, einfach mal auszuschlafen. Was gibt es Besseres? #sundayvibes #noschool
Sunday mode activated: Coffee ☕ and the chance to just sleep in. What could be better? #sundayvibes #noschool
Fits perfectly in a relaxed social media post about enjoying a lazy Sunday.
Bin morgen früh dabei! Aber ich brauche wirklich, wirklich mal auszuschlafen.
I'll be there tomorrow morning! But I really, really need to sleep in.
Expresses a strong personal need for rest after a busy period.
Ich lege Wert auf eine gute Work-Life-Balance und genieße es, am Wochenende ausschlafen zu können.
I value a good work-life balance and enjoy being able to sleep in on the weekend.
Shows a desire for personal time and rest, framed positively.
Er kommt später, er musste erst mal ausschlafen.
He's coming later, he first had to sleep in.
A common, informal explanation for someone's delayed arrival.
✗ Ich muss morgen lange schlafen. → ✓ Ich muss morgen ausschlafen.
✗ I have to sleep long tomorrow. → ✓ I have to sleep in tomorrow.
`lange schlafen` is understandable but `ausschlafen` specifically means to sleep in without an alarm.
✗ Ich will morgen aufwachen. → ✓ Ich will morgen ausschlafen.
✗ I want to wake up tomorrow. → ✓ I want to sleep in tomorrow.
`Aufwachen` just means to wake up; `ausschlafen` implies sleeping in *until* you wake up naturally.
Mein Wecker hat heute Morgen verloren. Ich habe einfach ausgeschlafen.
My alarm clock lost this morning. I just slept in.
A lighthearted way to say you ignored your alarm in favor of more sleep.
Endlich Wochenende! Zeit, mal wieder richtig auszuschlafen und die Batterien aufzuladen.
Finally the weekend! Time to really sleep in again and recharge the batteries.
Connects `ausschlafen` directly with the feeling of recovery and relaxation.
Lass uns morgen den ganzen Tag im Bett bleiben und ausschlafen.
Let's stay in bed all day tomorrow and sleep in.
Emphasizes the extended period of rest associated with `ausschlafen`.
Mein 'Morning Routine' heute: ausschlafen, Kaffee, Netflix. 😴
My 'Morning Routine' today: sleeping in, coffee, Netflix. 😴
A relatable, modern take on what a 'routine' can be when you don't have obligations.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb.
The phrase `ausschlafen` means to sleep in. In this sentence, `kann` (can) and `ausschlafen` fit the context of being able to sleep in on Sunday.
Choose the sentence that uses 'ausschlafen' correctly.
Which sentence correctly uses the phrase 'ausschlafen'?
Option 1 is correct because it contrasts the need to wake early with the inability to sleep in. Option 2 is incorrect as sleeping too much doesn't prevent `ausschlafen`. Option 4 is incorrect because babies often wake frequently, not sleep in.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The word `aufwachen` means to wake up. The phrase `ausschlafen` means to sleep in, which fits the context of wanting to sleep late.
Translate this sentence into German.
This translation uses `endlich` (finally) and the verb `ausschlafen` (to sleep in) correctly to express the desired meaning.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb.
The context of a long party and Sunday suggests the need for rest, making `ausschlafen` (to sleep in) the most logical choice.
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.
This sentence structure places the subject 'Ich' first, followed by the modal verb 'kann', the adverb 'endlich', the time expression 'morgen', and finally the infinitive verb 'ausschlafen'.
Choose the sentence that uses 'ausschlafen' and its related forms most appropriately.
Which sentence demonstrates the best understanding of 'ausschlafen' and its nuances?
This option correctly uses `ausschlafen` to express the enjoyment of sleeping in on weekends. Option 1 is logically flawed. Option 3 implies sleeping in was prevented by work, which is less common usage. Option 4 is prescriptive and not the typical use of `ausschlafen`.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The original sentence describes waking up early and then sleeping long, which is contradictory to the idea of sleeping in. `Ausschlafen` encapsulates waking up naturally after sufficient rest, making it the correct and more concise term.
Translate this sentence into German, paying attention to the nuance.
This translation captures the nuance of needing a break from early starts by using `wirklich mal ausschlafen`, emphasizing the earned rest.
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.
This sentence uses a subordinate clause (`wenn ich frei habe`) followed by the main clause (`dann kann ich ausschlafen`). The verb `ausschlafen` is placed at the end of its clause.
Choose the sentence that best reflects the meaning of 'ausschlafen' in a professional context.
Which sentence uses 'ausschlafen' appropriately when discussing work-life balance?
This option frames `ausschlafen` as a deliberate act of self-care for recovery, suitable for discussing work-life balance. Option 1 focuses on a negative consequence. Option 3 is nonsensical. Option 4 is too absolute.
Match the German phrase with its closest English meaning.
This exercise helps differentiate `ausschlafen` from similar concepts like sleeping long, resting, or the state of being rested.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'ausschlafen'
Used among close friends, family, or in very casual contexts. Often implies a relaxed, perhaps even slightly lazy, attitude towards mornings.
Boah, ich bin so müde, ich muss morgen ausschlafen!
Standard usage in everyday conversations. Appropriate for most social situations and text messages.
Am Wochenende schlafe ich gerne aus.
Can be used in slightly more formal settings if the context allows for personal discussion about rest.
Nach der Reise konnten wir endlich ausschlafen.
Rarely used in highly formal settings like official business meetings or academic papers, unless discussing personal well-being.
Um meine Erholung zu gewährleisten, plane ich, am freien Tag auszuschlafen.
When Do You 'Ausschlafen'?
Weekend Morning
Endlich Wochenende! Zeit auszuschlafen.
Holiday Break
Im Urlaub muss man ausschlafen.
After a Late Night
Nach der Party konnten wir ausschlafen.
Sick Day
Wenn ich krank bin, schlafe ich aus.
Lazy Sunday
Sonntags ist Ausschlafen Pflicht!
After Overtime
Endlich Feierabend, jetzt kann ich ausschlafen.
Ausschlafen vs. Similar Expressions
Contexts for 'Ausschlafen'
Leisure Time
- • Weekends
- • Holidays
- • Vacations
Recovery
- • After illness
- • After exertion
- • After stress
Social
- • With friends
- • With family
- • Romantic partners
Personal Choice
- • No alarm needed
- • Waking naturally
- • Prioritizing rest
Practice Bank
12 exercisesAm Sonntag ___ ich gerne ___.
The phrase `ausschlafen` means to sleep in. In this sentence, `kann` (can) and `ausschlafen` fit the context of being able to sleep in on Sunday.
Which sentence correctly uses the phrase 'ausschlafen'?
Option 1 is correct because it contrasts the need to wake early with the inability to sleep in. Option 2 is incorrect as sleeping too much doesn't prevent `ausschlafen`. Option 4 is incorrect because babies often wake frequently, not sleep in.
Find and fix the mistake:
Ich bin so müde, ich will heute Abend spät aufwachen.
The word `aufwachen` means to wake up. The phrase `ausschlafen` means to sleep in, which fits the context of wanting to sleep late.
I can finally sleep in tomorrow!
Hints: Use 'endlich' for 'finally'., Remember the verb 'ausschlafen'.
This translation uses `endlich` (finally) and the verb `ausschlafen` (to sleep in) correctly to express the desired meaning.
Nach der langen Party konnten wir am Sonntag endlich richtig ___.
The context of a long party and Sunday suggests the need for rest, making `ausschlafen` (to sleep in) the most logical choice.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This sentence structure places the subject 'Ich' first, followed by the modal verb 'kann', the adverb 'endlich', the time expression 'morgen', and finally the infinitive verb 'ausschlafen'.
Which sentence demonstrates the best understanding of 'ausschlafen' and its nuances?
This option correctly uses `ausschlafen` to express the enjoyment of sleeping in on weekends. Option 1 is logically flawed. Option 3 implies sleeping in was prevented by work, which is less common usage. Option 4 is prescriptive and not the typical use of `ausschlafen`.
Find and fix the mistake:
Da ich frei habe, werde ich morgen früh aufwachen und dann lange schlafen.
The original sentence describes waking up early and then sleeping long, which is contradictory to the idea of sleeping in. `Ausschlafen` encapsulates waking up naturally after sufficient rest, making it the correct and more concise term.
After a week of early mornings, I really need to sleep in.
Hints: Consider using 'mal' for emphasis., 'Morgenstunden' is a good collective term for 'early mornings'.
This translation captures the nuance of needing a break from early starts by using `wirklich mal ausschlafen`, emphasizing the earned rest.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This sentence uses a subordinate clause (`wenn ich frei habe`) followed by the main clause (`dann kann ich ausschlafen`). The verb `ausschlafen` is placed at the end of its clause.
Which sentence uses 'ausschlafen' appropriately when discussing work-life balance?
This option frames `ausschlafen` as a deliberate act of self-care for recovery, suitable for discussing work-life balance. Option 1 focuses on a negative consequence. Option 3 is nonsensical. Option 4 is too absolute.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
This exercise helps differentiate `ausschlafen` from similar concepts like sleeping long, resting, or the state of being rested.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
18 questionsThe prefix aus- means 'out' or 'completely', and schlafen means 'to sleep'. So, it literally translates to something like 'to sleep out' or 'to sleep completely'. This implies sleeping until you are fully rested, not just for a set duration.
It's generally considered informal. You'd use it with friends, family, or in casual conversations. While you might mention it in a professional context when discussing work-life balance, it's not typically used in very formal business or academic settings.
No, ausschlafen specifically refers to sleeping during the main sleep period (usually overnight) until you naturally wake up. It doesn't apply to short naps during the day, even if you wake up feeling rested from those.
'Lange schlafen' simply means 'to sleep long'. You could technically lange schlafen even if you set an alarm. 'Ausschlafen' specifically implies sleeping until you've had enough rest and waking up naturally, without an alarm dictating your wake-up time.
It’s perfect for weekends, holidays, vacations, or any time you don't have strict morning obligations. It’s used when you want to prioritize rest and wake up feeling completely refreshed, not rushed.
Yes, the past tense is 'Ich habe ausgeschlafen' (I slept in). This is used to describe the act of sleeping in that has already occurred. For example, 'Gestern habe ich endlich mal ausgeschlafen!' (Yesterday, I finally slept in!)
Not necessarily. While it's associated with leisure, it's often seen as a healthy way to recover from stress or demanding schedules. Saying you need to ausschlafen can simply mean your body requires extra rest.
The most direct opposite in terms of action is früh aufstehen (to get up early). In terms of feeling, the opposite of being well-rested after ausschlafen would be feeling tired or groggy, perhaps from zu wenig schlafen (sleeping too little).
Germans generally appreciate rest and downtime. While punctuality is valued, the weekend is seen as a time for personal activities, including the pleasure of ausschlafen. It's considered a well-deserved break from the work week.
Yes, children can also ausschlafen, especially during school holidays or on weekends. Parents often wish their children would ausschlafen to get a little extra peace themselves! 'Meine Kinder schlafen heute aus' is a common parental hope.
If you wake up naturally before your alarm and feel fully rested, you can still consider it ausschlafen. The key is waking up when your body feels ready, not being jolted awake by the alarm. The alarm simply becomes irrelevant.
Yes, the noun form is das Ausschlafen, meaning 'the act of sleeping in'. For example, 'Ich genieße das Ausschlafen am Wochenende.' (I enjoy sleeping in on the weekend.)
After you ausschlafen, you would say you are ausgeschlafen. For example, 'Ich bin heute Morgen richtig ausgeschlafen!' (I'm really well-rested this morning!). It describes the positive state resulting from adequate sleep.
This is very common! Aufwachen just means to wake up. Ausschlafen means to sleep *until* you wake up naturally. So, saying 'Ich will aufwachen' when you mean 'I want to sleep in' is incorrect. You want to ausschlafen.
While schlafen means 'to sleep', ausschlafen adds the nuance of sleeping *in*. If you tell a friend 'Ich schlafe heute' (I'm sleeping today), they might wonder if you're just napping. Saying 'Ich schlafe heute aus' clearly means you're sleeping in.
Yes, it can! For instance, someone might sarcastically say 'Na klar, ich kann ja ausschlafen...' (Yeah right, I can just sleep in...) when they actually have to wake up very early. The context and tone would make the irony clear.
Ausschlafen is directly linked to restoring energy. By allowing your body to complete its natural sleep cycles without interruption, you typically wake up feeling more energized and ready for the day. It’s a key component of good self-care.
Generally, no. It's too informal for most professional emails. You might use it in a very casual workplace chat or a message to a colleague you know well, but stick to phrases like 'extended rest' or 'leisure time' in formal communication.
Related Phrases
lange schlafen
related topicTo sleep long
This phrase is related because it also describes sleeping for an extended duration, but lacks the specific nuance of waking naturally that 'ausschlafen' implies.
sich ausruhen
related topicTo rest, to relax
This is a broader term for resting and relaxation, which can include sleeping, making 'ausschlafen' a specific type of 'sich ausruhen'.
aufwachen
antonymTo wake up
'Aufwachen' is the opposite action of falling asleep, while 'ausschlafen' describes the entire process of sleeping in until one naturally wakes up.
früh aufstehen
antonymTo get up early
This phrase describes the action directly opposite to the desire and outcome of 'ausschlafen', which is to sleep late and wake naturally.
ausgeschlafen sein
related topicTo be well-rested
This phrase describes the state or feeling achieved *after* successfully managing to 'ausschlafen', making it a direct consequence and closely related concept.
verschlafen
related topicTo oversleep (miss something due to sleeping too long)
While 'ausschlafen' is positive, 'verschlafen' has a negative connotation, implying you slept *too* long and missed an important event or appointment.
