German Phrase
Lernst du nachmittags?
Meaning
The sentence asks whether the listener studies in the afternoon. It is a neutral, informal way to inquire about someone's study habits or daily routine.
When to use
Use this question with friends, classmates, or colleagues when you want to know how they organise their study time, especially after school or university lectures.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lernstdunachmittags?
Verb conjugation (lernen)
‘Lernst’ is the 2nd‑person singular present tense of ‘lernen’ (to learn / to study).
Personal pronoun
‘du’ is the informal singular pronoun and acts as the subject of the sentence.
Adverb of time
‘nachmittags’ is an adverb meaning ‘in the afternoons’ (general, not a specific hour).
Yes/No question word order
German yes/no questions place the finite verb in first position, followed by the subject (V‑S order).
🗨In Conversation
Lernst du nachmittags?
Do you study in the afternoon?
Ja, ich lerne meistens nach der Schule am Nachmittag.
Yes, I usually study after school in the afternoon.
✕Common Mistakes
Lernst du **am** nachmittags?
Do not add a preposition; ‘nachmittags’ itself is an adverb, so ‘Lernst du nachmittags?’ is correct.
Lernst du **nachmittag**?
‘Nachmittag’ is a noun; you need the adverb ‘nachmittags’ for this question.
Lernst du nachmittags
In written German a question mark is required; omitting it can make the sentence look like a statement.
↔Alternatives
Studierst du am Nachmittag?
Do you study in the afternoon?
Bist du nachmittags am Lernen?
Are you studying in the afternoon?
Lernst du nachmittags?
Do you study in the afternoons?
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries many students have a "Nachmittags‑Lernzeit" after school or university lectures. ‘Nachmittags’ is a general adverb, so it refers to any time in the afternoon rather than a precise hour. If you need to be specific, say ‘um 15 Uhr’ (at 3 p.m.).