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
Both words relate to the night. „Nachts“ is a direct indication of time and says when an action regularly or usually happens. „Nächtlich“ is an adjective and describes a noun or the particular character of something at night; it therefore needs a suitable noun to refer to.
nächtlich
Die nächtliche Fahrt durch die leere Stadt war ungewöhnlich ruhig.
The nighttime drive through the empty city was unusually quiet.
nachts
Nachts schläft das Baby inzwischen viel ruhiger.
The baby sleeps much more peacefully at night now.
In real life
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