PrettyFluent
This is just a lesson preview. Get the interactive lesson free on PrettyFluent
😴

How to Say ‘Hardly sleep’ in German

Kaum schlafen

kowm SHLAH-fen

[kowm SHLAH-fen]

💬 Usage Tip: "Kaum" means hardly/barely—a very useful word for polite complaints.

🇩🇪 In Germany: This sounds more specific and persuasive than just saying something is annoying.

Phrase Breakdown

Kaum

[kowm]

hardly

Means barely or almost not.

Example

Kaum schlafen ist im Hotel sehr unangenehm.

Hardly sleeping is very unpleasant in a hotel.

schlafen

[SHLAH-fen]

sleep

Infinitive verb meaning to sleep.

Example

Kaum schlafen macht mich müde.

Hardly sleeping makes me tired.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Custom Scenarios

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Download PrettyFluent on the App StoreGet Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

Berlin bureaucracy requires real German. This app got me from zero to handling my Anmeldung appointment in three weeks. My coworkers couldn’t believe it.

Emma L., 27, UX Researcher

Relocated to Munich with my family. The everyday scenarios — grocery shopping, doctor visits, school meetings — are exactly what we needed to settle in.

Marcus J., 40, Engineer

I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager