When you're exploring Germany, whether wandering through bustling Berlin or charming Bavarian villages, knowing how to ask for the time is essential. Just like mastering greetings, asking "what time is it" in German is a fundamental phrase for any traveler or language learner. This guide will walk you through the key phrases and vocabulary you need to confidently ask for and understand time in German-speaking environments.
Asking "What Time is it?" in German
There are a couple of common ways to ask "what time is it?" in German, both equally useful:
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Wie viel Uhr ist es? – This is the most direct and frequently used way to ask "what time is it?" in German. Literally translated, it means "How many o'clock is it?"
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Wie spät ist es? – This is another perfectly acceptable way to inquire about the time. It translates more directly to "How late is it?" but is understood as "what time is it?"
To be polite, especially when asking a stranger, you can add an introductory phrase:
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Entschuldigung, wie viel Uhr ist es? – "Excuse me, what time is it?" This is a polite way to get someone's attention before asking your question.
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Können Sie mir sagen, wie spät es ist? (formal) / Kannst du mir sagen, wie spät es ist? (informal) – "Could you tell me what time it is?" These phrases are more formal and very polite, suitable for any situation.
In many cases, simply asking "Wie viel Uhr ist es?" will be understood and answered directly. Don't be surprised if someone simply shows you their watch – a universal gesture that transcends language barriers! However, understanding how to tell time in German when spoken is just as important, which we will cover next.
Telling Time in German: Hours and Key Phrases
Understanding how Germans tell time involves a few key concepts. The verb sein (to be) is crucial when stating the time. You'll start your answer with Es ist… (It is…).
Here’s how to express the full hours in German:
- It’s one o’clock. – Es ist ein Uhr.
- It’s two o’clock. – Es ist zwei Uhr.
- It’s three o’clock. – Es ist drei Uhr.
- It’s four o’clock. – Es ist vier Uhr.
- It’s five o’clock. – Es ist fünf Uhr.
- It’s six o’clock. – Es ist sechs Uhr.
- It’s seven o’clock. – Es ist sieben Uhr.
- It’s eight o’clock. – Es ist acht Uhr.
- It’s nine o’clock. – Es ist neun Uhr.
- It’s ten o’clock. – Es ist zehn Uhr.
- It’s eleven o’clock. – Es ist elf Uhr.
- It’s twelve o’clock. – Es ist zwölf Uhr.
A visual guide to telling time in German, showcasing German words for hours one through twelve, essential vocabulary for asking 'what time is it in Germany.'
While Germans commonly use the 12-hour clock in everyday speech, the 24-hour clock is prevalent in written schedules, train timetables, and official announcements. Unlike English, German doesn’t use AM or PM. To avoid ambiguity, especially when speaking, Germans use time-of-day indicators:
- morgens – in the morning (any time before noon). Example: Ich gehe morgens um acht Uhr in die Schule. (I go to school at eight o’clock in the morning.)
- nachmittags – in the afternoon (any time after noon). Example: Ich spiele um drei Uhr nachmittags Tennis. (I play tennis at three o’clock in the afternoon.)
- abends – in the evening. Example: Ich gehe um sechs Uhr abends Eis essen. (I go to eat ice cream at six o’clock in the evening.)
- nachts – at night. Example: Ich gehe nachts um elf Uhr ins Bett. (I go to bed at eleven o’clock at night.)
Additionally, Mittag (midday/noon) and Mitternacht (midnight) are specific points in time. Note that no article is used with these words when indicating time.
Essential Time Vocabulary
To further enhance your understanding of time in German, remember these crucial words:
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um – This word is equivalent to "at" in English and is used to specify a precise time when something happens. For example: Wir treffen uns um vier Uhr. (We are meeting at four o’clock.)
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wann? – This is the German question word for "when?" and is fundamental for asking about time-related events. Example: Wann essen wir Kuchen? (When do we eat cake?) — Um ein Uhr nachmittags. (At one o’clock in the afternoon.)
By mastering these phrases and vocabulary, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate time-related conversations in German, whether you’re asking "what time is it in Germany" or making plans with German speakers.
