German Phrase
Was liest du am Wochenende?
Meaning
The sentence asks someone what they plan to read over the weekend. It’s a casual, everyday question about leisure reading habits.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to start a conversation about books, articles, or any reading material someone might enjoy during their free time on Saturday or Sunday.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WasliestduamWochenende?
Interrogative Pronoun 'Was'
Used to ask about something unknown; placed at the beginning of a yes‑no or information question.
Verb Position in Main Clause Questions
In German, the verb moves to the second position (V2) after the interrogative pronoun.
Personal Pronoun 'du'
Second‑person singular informal; follows the verb in V2 questions.
Prepositional Phrase 'am Wochenende'
Combines the preposition 'an' + dative article 'dem' → 'am', indicating a point in time.
Verb 'lesen' Conjugation
Present tense 2nd person singular: 'liest'.
🗨In Conversation
Was liest du am Wochenende?
What are you reading this weekend?
Ich habe vor, den neuen Krimi von Joël Dicker zu lesen.
I plan to read the new thriller by Joël Dicker.
✕Common Mistakes
Was du liest am Wochenende?
The verb must come before the subject in a V2 question.
Was liest du am das Wochenende?
The correct contraction is 'am' (an dem).
Was Lesen du am Wochenende?
Verb must be conjugated and placed in second position.
↔Alternatives
Was hast du am Wochenende zu lesen?
What do you have to read this weekend?
Welches Buch liest du am Wochenende?
Which book are you reading this weekend?
Was wirst du am Wochenende lesen?
What will you be reading this weekend?
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries, talking about books is a common small‑talk topic, especially during the relaxed weekend. Using "am Wochenende" signals a casual, friendly tone; avoid overly formal phrasing unless speaking with a senior or in a professional setting.