German Phrase
Zieh dir deinen Lieblingspyjama an.
Meaning
A friendly, informal command telling someone to put on their favourite pajamas. It’s usually said when it’s time to relax, go to bed, or have a cozy evening at home.
When to use
Use this sentence in casual conversation with friends, family members, or children. It’s not appropriate in formal settings or with people you address with ‘Sie’. The reflexive form ‘dir’ makes it sound personal and caring.
✦Grammar Breakdown
ZiehdirdeinenLieblingspyjamaan
Imperative of ziehen
‘Zieh’ is the du‑imperative of the verb ‘ziehen’, which in this context means ‘to put on’ and is a separable verb with the prefix ‘an’.
Reflexive dative ‘dir’
Because ‘anziehen’ is reflexive, the pronoun must be in the dative case – ‘dir’, not ‘du’.
Accusative masculine ‘deinen’
‘Lieblingspyjama’ is masculine; the possessive article therefore takes the accusative ending ‘-en’ (deinen).
Separable prefix ‘an’
In main clauses the prefix ‘an’ moves to the end of the sentence: ‘Zieh … an.’
Noun gender
‘Pyjama’ (or ‘Pyjamahose’) is masculine in German, so it takes the article ‘der’ in the nominative and ‘den’ in the accusative.
🗨In Conversation
Ich bin total erschöpft, was soll ich anziehen?
I’m exhausted, what should I wear?
Zieh dir deinen Lieblingspyjama an.
Put on your favourite pajamas.
✕Common Mistakes
Zieh du deinen Lieblingspyjama an.
The verb ‘anziehen’ is reflexive; you need the dative pronoun ‘dir’, not the nominative ‘du’.
Zieh dir dein Lieblingspyjama an.
‘Lieblingspyjama’ is accusative masculine, so the possessive article must be ‘deinen’, not ‘dein’.
Zieh dir deinen Lieblingspyjama anziehen.
With separable verbs the prefix goes to the end in the main clause.
↔Alternatives
Zieh deinen Lieblingspyjama an.
Put on your favourite pajamas.
Mach es dir gemütlich und zieh deinen Lieblingspyjama an.
Make yourself comfortable and put on your favourite pajamas.
Kleider dich in deinen Lieblingspyjama.
Dress yourself in your favourite pajamas.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking households, changing into pajamas is a clear signal that you’re moving from the public to the private, relaxed sphere of the home. The reflexive ‘dir’ adds a touch of warmth, as if you’re looking after the other person’s comfort. Remember that ‘Pyjama’ is masculine, so the article and adjective endings must match the accusative case when used with verbs like ‘anziehen’.