die Nachtzeit
nighttime
The period of the night, that is, the hours between dusk and dawn.
EXAMPLE
Zur Nachtzeit sind die Straßen in diesem Dorf völlig leer.
At nighttime, the streets in this village are completely empty.
die Nachtzeit
nighttime
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
The word 'Nachtzeit' (nighttime) is a simple compound made up of 'die Nacht' (night) and 'die Zeit' (time). So it literally means 'the time of the night.'
EXAMPLE
Während der Nachtzeit ist das Museum geschlossen.
During nighttime, the museum is closed.
Register and style
'Nachtzeit' (nighttime) is a somewhat formal or written expression. You often find it in official notices, legal texts, or police reports.
EXAMPLE
Laut Gesetz gilt zwischen 22 Uhr und 6 Uhr die Nachtzeit.
According to the law, the nighttime period applies between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Fixed preposition
This noun is very often used with the preposition 'zur' to indicate a point in time. The fixed phrase is 'zur Nachtzeit' (at nighttime).
EXAMPLE
Einbrüche ereignen sich häufig zur Nachtzeit.
Burglaries often occur at nighttime.
Compare with
Nachtzeit vs Nacht
night
Nacht and Nachtzeit both refer to the hours between evening and morning. Nacht is the usual everyday word, while Nachtzeit places more emphasis on the duration of this period and sounds more formal. In normal conversation, Nacht is usually the better choice; Nachtzeit can also be used when specifying a precise time.
Nachtzeit
Während der Nachtzeit soll das Tor geschlossen bleiben.
The gate must remain closed during nighttime.
Nacht
In der Nacht ist es im Dorf besonders ruhig.
The village is especially quiet at night.
In real life
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