German Phrase
Bist du nervös?
Meaning
The sentence asks whether the listener feels nervous, typically in situations like an exam, a performance, or a job interview. It is a straightforward yes‑or‑no question.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal settings with people you address as ‘du’. It’s appropriate when you notice signs of anxiety or when someone is about to do something that might cause nerves. In formal contexts you would say ‘Sind Sie nervös?’
✦Grammar Breakdown
Bistdunervös?
Verb 'sein' (2nd person singular)
In a yes‑no question the verb 'sein' moves to the first position and is conjugated as 'bist' for 'du'.
Pronoun 'du'
The informal second‑person singular pronoun, used with friends, family, or peers.
Predicative adjective
‘nervös’ is an adjective used predicatively after ‘sein’; it does not take an article or ending.
Question word order
German yes‑no questions invert subject and verb (Verb‑Subject‑Object).
🗨In Conversation
Bist du nervös?
Are you nervous?
Ein bisschen, aber ich bin bereit.
A little, but I'm ready.
✕Common Mistakes
Ist du nervös?
The verb must agree with ‘du’; use ‘bist’ not ‘ist’.
Du bist nervös?
In a yes‑no question the verb comes first, not the subject.
Bist du ein nervöser?
‘nervös’ is used predicatively after ‘sein’; it does not take an article or ending here.
↔Alternatives
Bist du aufgeregt?
Are you excited?
Fühlst du dich nervös?
Do you feel nervous?
Hast du Lampenfieber?
Do you have stage fright?
Cultural Tip
In German, using ‘du’ signals familiarity, so make sure you have a comfortable relationship before asking about someone’s nerves. Also, Germans often distinguish between ‘nervös’ (general anxiety) and ‘aufgeregt’ (excited). Asking directly about nerves can be seen as caring, but in a very formal setting you should switch to the polite form ‘Sind Sie nervös?’.