German Phrase
Schau dir die Öffnungszeiten der Bibliothek in der Nähe an.
Meaning
This phrase is an informal command or suggestion to check the operating hours of a local library. It implies a need to know when the library is accessible, perhaps for a visit, to return books, or to use its facilities. The use of 'dir' makes the command personal and informal, directed at 'you'.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to tell a friend, family member, or someone you're on informal terms with to find out the opening times of a library that is close by. It's perfect for casual conversations when planning an outing or needing information quickly.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Schaudirdie Öffnungszeitender Bibliothekin der Nähean
Schau... an (anschauen)
This is the informal singular imperative form of the separable verb 'anschauen', meaning 'to look at' or 'to check'. The prefix 'an-' moves to the end of the sentence in main clauses.
dir
This is the dative reflexive pronoun for 'du' (you, informal singular). It indicates that the action of looking up the information is for your own benefit or interest.
die Öffnungszeiten
This plural noun means 'opening hours'. In German, 'Öffnungszeit' (singular) is less common; 'Öffnungszeiten' is almost always used in the plural.
der Bibliothek
This is the genitive case of 'die Bibliothek' (the library). It indicates possession or belonging, specifying that the opening hours belong to the library.
in der Nähe
This is a common prepositional phrase meaning 'nearby' or 'in the vicinity'. 'Nähe' is a feminine noun, and 'in' takes the dative case here because it describes a static location.
🗨In Conversation
Ich muss noch ein Buch zurückgeben, aber ich weiß nicht, wann die Bibliothek schließt.
I still need to return a book, but I don't know when the library closes.
Schau dir die Öffnungszeiten der Bibliothek in der Nähe an.
Look at the opening hours of the library nearby.
✕Common Mistakes
Seh die Öffnungszeiten der Bibliothek in der Nähe.
The verb 'sehen' means 'to see' passively. For actively looking something up or checking, use 'anschauen' or 'nachschauen'.
Schau du die Öffnungszeiten der Bibliothek in der Nähe an.
The imperative 'Schau' already implies 'du'. Adding 'du' is redundant and sounds unnatural in most contexts.
Schau dir die Öffnungszeiten die Bibliothek in der Nähe an.
The noun 'Bibliothek' should be in the genitive case ('der Bibliothek') because it specifies 'whose' opening hours.
↔Alternatives
Kannst du bitte die Öffnungszeiten der Bibliothek überprüfen?
Can you please check the library's opening hours?
Guck mal, wann die Bibliothek in der Nähe aufmacht.
Take a look when the library nearby opens.
Informier dich über die Öffnungszeiten der örtlichen Bibliothek.
Inform yourself about the opening hours of the local library.
Cultural Tip
In Germany, public libraries are a valued community resource, and checking their specific opening hours is often necessary as they can vary by day, season, or public holiday. While many services are digital, a personal visit might still be required for certain tasks. Germans generally appreciate clear communication and adherence to schedules, so knowing the exact times is practical.