German · A1 · Family moment
Bedtime story in German
Gentle German phrases for reading together and saying good night. Learn how to suggest an activity with “Lass uns …” (“Let's …”) and use simple bedtime instructions.
What you'll learn
- Suggest reading together using “Lass uns” plus a verb.
- Ask which story to read.
- Give gentle instructions about pictures and pages.
- End story time with warm bedtime wishes.
German phrases for bedtime story
Lass uns ein Buch lesen.
Let's read a book.
A natural invitation to one child. The action verb “lesen” goes at the end.
Welche Geschichte heute Abend?
Which story tonight?
A natural short question. “Heute Abend” means “this evening” or “tonight.”
Schau dir das Bild an.
Look at the picture.
A friendly instruction to one child.
Blättere um.
Turn the page.
A natural instruction to one child when reading a book.
Ende.
The end.
German usually uses just “Ende” to mark the end of a story.
Zeit zum Schlafen.
Time to sleep.
A gentle, shortened expression used at bedtime.
Träum schön.
Sweet dreams.
Literally “Dream nicely.” A common, warm wish to one child.
Gute Nacht, mein Schatz.
Good night, my love.
“Mein Schatz” is an affectionate way to address a child of any gender.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
das Buch
book
The plural is “die Bücher.”
lesen
to read
Use this base form at the end of “Lass uns …” suggestions.
die Geschichte
story
The plural is “die Geschichten.”
das Bild
picture
The plural is “die Bilder.”
umblättern
to turn the page
In the instruction “Blättere um,” the prefix “um” moves to the end.
schlafen
to sleep
In “zum Schlafen,” it acts as a noun and takes a capital letter.
träumen
to dream
“Träum schön” is a familiar bedtime wish.
mein Schatz
my darling; my love
Literally “my treasure.” Used affectionately for a child or loved one.
Making suggestions with “Lass uns …”
When speaking to one child, use “Lass uns” plus the base form of a verb to mean “Let's …”. Put the action verb at the end. When speaking to several children, use “Lasst uns.”
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Read together | Lass uns + object + infinitive | Lass uns ein Buch lesen. |
| Sleep | Lass uns + infinitive | Lass uns schlafen. |
| Speak to several children | Lasst uns + object + infinitive | Lasst uns eine Geschichte lesen. |
Simple instructions to one child
For familiar instructions, put the command form first and leave out “du” (“you”). Some verbs have a separable prefix that goes at the end. A gentle tone makes these phrases warm and friendly.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| anschauen — to look at | Schau dir … an. | Schau dir das Bild an. |
| umblättern — to turn the page | Blättere um. | Blättere um. |
| träumen — to dream | Träum … | Träum schön. |
More examples
Lass uns eine Geschichte lesen.
Let's read a story.
Use “eine” with the feminine noun “Geschichte.”
Lass uns das Bild anschauen.
Let's look at the picture.
After “Lass uns,” the full infinitive “anschauen” stays together at the end.
Welches Buch heute Abend?
Which book tonight?
Use “welches” with the neuter noun “Buch.”
Blättere bitte um.
Please turn the page.
“Bitte” adds “please” to the instruction.
Schlaf gut, mein Schatz.
Sleep well, my love.
Another warm bedtime wish for one child.