01
nächtlich
nighttime
Relates to something that happens, takes place, or is typical at night.
example
Der nächtliche Lärm aus der Bar hat die Anwohner gestört.
The nighttime noise from the bar disturbed the residents.
nächtlich
nighttime / nocturnal
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'nächtlich' (nighttime/nocturnal) is derived directly from the noun 'die Nacht' (night). The ending '-lich' is often used to form adjectives from nouns that describe belonging or a characteristic.
EXAMPLE
Die nächtliche Kühle zog durch die offenen Fenster.
The nighttime coolness drifted through the open windows.
Use as an adjective
'Nächtlich' (nighttime/nocturnal) is an adjective and describes a noun. It answers the question 'What kind of...?'. It is used to assign a characteristic, for example 'der nächtliche Himmel' (the night sky).
EXAMPLE
Ein nächtlicher Spaziergang kann sehr romantisch sein.
A nighttime walk can be very romantic.
Typical collocations
Common nouns combined with 'nächtlich' (nighttime/nocturnal) are 'Ruhe' (quiet), 'Störung' (disturbance), 'Ausflug' (outing), 'Anruf' (call), or 'Arbeit' (work).
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei erhielt einen nächtlichen Anruf wegen Ruhestörung.
The police received a nighttime call about a noise disturbance.
Compare with
nächtlich vs nachts
at night
'nachts' and 'nächtlich' both have to do with the night, but they do not belong to the same grammatical category. 'nachts' is an adverb and says when something happens: at night or regularly at night. 'nächtlich' is an adjective and describes a noun, for example a walk, a call, or a noise. Learners may confuse the words because both refer to the same time. A practical tip: ask 'When?' → 'nachts'. Ask 'What kind of?' → 'nächtlich'.
nächtlich
Der nächtliche Lärm vor dem Haus hat die Kinder geweckt.
The nighttime noise in front of the house woke the children.
nachts
Zu Hause schläft sie nachts oft schlecht.
At home, she often sleeps badly at night.
In real life
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