Telling the Time (Uhrzeit) in German (hours, minutes, seconds)

Telling time in German is a fundamental part of daily communication in any language.

In this article, you will learn about the different time formats, as well as their formal and colloquial usage, all spiced up with practical examples and real-life situations.

Time Format, Formal and Colloquial Use

In German, the time can be expressed in two main formats: the 24-hour format and the 12-hour format.

The 24-hour format is commonly used in formal and official contexts, such as on train schedules, flights, and events. For example, "15:00" represents three in the afternoon.

In everyday and colloquial use, the 12-hour format is often used, along with specific terms to differentiate between morning, afternoon, and evening. For example:

• "3 Uhr nachmittags" means "three in the afternoon".
• "10 Uhr morgens" means "ten in the morning".
• "8 Uhr abends" means "eight in the evening".

It's important to note that in informal situations, "Uhr" (hour/o'clock) can be used to emphasize the exact hour, although it is not always necessary.

Additionally, there are certain colloquial expressions and idioms that are frequently used in daily conversation, reflecting the flexible and practical nature of the German language in the everyday use of time.

For example:

• "Es ist kurz nach sieben" means "it's a little past seven".
• "Es ist gleich neun" means "it's almost nine".
• "Es ist Punkt zwölf" means "it's exactly twelve o'clock".

How to Say the Time in German: Fundamental Vocabulary

To be able to express the time in German correctly, it is essential to know certain basic terms and structures of the language. Below is a fundamental vocabulary for telling the time in German:

On the Hour (O'Clock)

To say the time on the hour in German, you use the number followed by the word "Uhr".

For example: "3 Uhr" means "three o'clock". This format is common in both formal and informal contexts.

Half Hours

Half hours in German are expressed using the word "halb" followed by the next hour.

For example: "halb 4" means "half past three" (literally, "half of four").

Quarter Hours

To express quarter hours, the words "Viertel nach" (quarter past) and "Viertel vor" (quarter to) are used.

For example: "Viertel nach 5" means "quarter past five".

In contrast, "Viertel vor 6" means "quarter to six".

How to Express Other Cases of Additional and Remaining Minutes

Additional minutes are expressed using the terms "nach" (after/past) and "vor" (before/to) and the corresponding hour.

For example: "7 nach 2" means "seven past two" and "20 vor 3" means "twenty to three". You can also express the time a bit more formally by explicitly naming the minutes. For example, in the first case, "7 Minuten nach 2".

Basic Vocabulary to Tell Time Correctly in German

In short, the basic vocabulary you need to be clear about to tell the time correctly in German is the following:

Everyday Conversations About Time in German

How to Ask for the Time in German

To ask for the time in German, you use phrases like:

• "Wie spät ist es?" which means "What time is it?".
• "Haben Sie die Uhrzeit?" which means "Do you have the time?".

The answers can vary depending on the situation:

• "Es ist drei Uhr" which means "It is three o'clock".
• "Es ist halb vier" which means "It is half past three".
• "Es ist Viertel nach fünf" which means "It is a quarter past five".
• "Es ist zwanzig vor sechs" which means "It is twenty to six".

Asking How Much Time is Left and When Something Takes Place

To ask how much time is left for an event or when something will take place, you can use the following expressions:

• "Wie lange dauert es bis...?" which means "How long until...?".
• "Wann beginnt...?" which means "When does... begin?".
• "Um wie viel Uhr findet... statt?" which means "At what time does... take place?".

Examples of answers:

• "Es dauert noch zehn Minuten" which means "There are still ten minutes left".
• "Der Zug kommt um 15:30 Uhr an" which means "The train arrives at 15:30".
• "Das Meeting beginnt um neun Uhr" which means "The meeting begins at nine o'clock".

Other Everyday Examples of Using Time and Conversations About Time

In daily life, there are many situations where you talk about the time. Here are some examples:

• At the train station: "Wann fährt der nächste Zug nach Berlin ab?" which means "When does the next train to Berlin depart?".
• At work: "Können wir das Meeting um eine Stunde verschieben?" which means "Can we postpone the meeting by an hour?".
• At a doctor's appointment: "Ich habe einen Termin um 14:00 Uhr" which means "I have an appointment at 14:00".
• At school: "Der Unterricht beginnt um acht Uhr" which means "The class begins at eight o'clock".

If you learn everything we have detailed on this page well, you will have completely mastered the use of time in German, whether it's to understand what you are told, to be able to express the time correctly in German, and, in general, for effective communication in various daily situations, in both formal and informal contexts.