Which one should you use?
The choice of phrase depends on the level of formality and whether you are speaking to one person or a group. lernst du? is the standard way to ask one person informally. If you are speaking to a group of people informally, you should use lernt ihr? If you need to be formal, use lernen Sie? or Studieren Sie? depending on the context of what is being studied.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a single person informally, use lernst du? When addressing a group of people informally, the verb changes to lernt ihr? For formal contexts, use the pronoun Sie with the corresponding verb forms lernen Sie? or Studieren Sie?
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use studieren for all types of studying. In German, studieren specifically refers to studying at a university level, whereas lernen is the correct verb for general learning or preparing for an exam.
Did you know?
- German has a specific word Lernstress to describe the psychological pressure of preparing for exams. This single word captures a feeling that English requires a phrase to explain.
- The word du is a direct relative of the archaic English word 'thou'. Both words share a common ancestor in the Proto-Germanic word *þū.
- In Germany, lernen is used not only for books but also for learning a trade. A person training to be a carpenter or a baker is said to be lernen.
Example conversation
Felix walks into the room where Laura is sitting with books.
- FelixHallo Laura, lernst du?Hello Laura, are you studying?
- LauraJa, ich muss viel lesen.Yes, I have to read a lot.
- FelixBrauchst du Hilfe dabei?Do you need help with that?
- LauraNein, danke, es geht schon.No, thanks, I'm doing okay.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, CC BY-SA 4.0.
