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German Phrase

Ich geh um Mitternacht schlafen.

/ɪç ɡeː ʊm ˈmɪtɐˌnaxt ˈʃlaːfn̩/
Meaning"I go to sleep at midnight."
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Meaning

This phrase describes a specific nightly routine. It combines the verb 'gehen' (to go) with 'schlafen' (to sleep) to express the action of heading to bed to start sleeping. The word 'Mitternacht' refers specifically to 12:00 AM.

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When to use

Use this sentence when discussing your sleep habits or daily schedule in a casual setting. It is a common response to questions about what time you typically finish your day.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IchgehumMitternachtschlafen

1

Geh (gehe)

This is the first-person singular form of 'gehen'. In spoken German, the final 'e' is often dropped.

2

Um

This preposition is used exclusively for indicating specific points in time on a clock.

3

Verb Position

When 'gehen' is used with another verb to show purpose, the second verb (schlafen) moves to the very end of the sentence.

🗨In Conversation

A

Wann gehst du normalerweise ins Bett?

When do you normally go to bed?

Ich geh um Mitternacht schlafen.

I go to sleep at midnight.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich gehe in Mitternacht schlafen.

    In German, clock times always use the preposition 'um' rather than 'in'.

  • Ich gehe um Mitternacht zu schlafen.

    The construction 'gehen' plus another verb does not require the word 'zu' in German.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich gehe um Mitternacht ins Bett.

    I go to bed at midnight.

  • Ich lege mich um Mitternacht schlafen.

    I lie down to sleep at midnight.

de

Cultural Tip

In Germany, being precise about time is common, even in casual conversation. While 'Mitternacht' is used for 12:00 AM, you might also hear 'null Uhr' in more formal or digital contexts, such as train schedules or news broadcasts.