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German Phrase

Ich bin müde

/ɪç bɪn ˈmyːdə/
Meaning"I am tired"
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Meaning

This is the standard way to express physical or mental fatigue in German. It uses the first-person singular pronoun 'ich' combined with the present tense of 'sein' (to be) and the adjective 'müde'. It is a simple, direct statement of one's current state.

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When to use

Use this phrase whenever you feel a lack of energy or the need for sleep. It is appropriate in all social contexts, from chatting with friends to speaking with colleagues at the end of a long day.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Ichbinmüde

1

Ich

The first-person singular subject pronoun, always lowercase unless it starts a sentence.

2

bin

The first-person singular form of the irregular verb 'sein' (to be).

3

müde

A predicate adjective that describes the subject; it does not require an ending when used after the verb 'sein'.

🗨In Conversation

A

Willst du noch in die Bar gehen?

Do you still want to go to the bar?

Lieber nicht, ich bin müde.

Better not, I am tired.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich habe müde

    English speakers often confuse 'to be' with 'to have' in certain expressions; in German, you 'are' tired, not 'have' tired.

  • Ich bin mude

    The umlaut 'ü' is crucial; without it, the word is misspelled and the pronunciation changes entirely.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich bin erschöpft

    I am exhausted

  • Ich bin hundemüde

    I am dog-tired

  • Ich bin fix und fertig

    I am completely worn out

de

Cultural Tip

In German culture, being direct about your energy levels is quite normal. While in some cultures people might hide their fatigue to remain polite, Germans will often honestly state they are tired if asked how they are doing, especially in informal settings.