how to tell time in german: 5 simple rules with examples

In German you tell time by stating the hour followed by the minutes, usually using the 24‑hour clock for formal situations; the word Uhr ("ooh‑r") marks the hour. This article shows you the core rules, common phrases, and a quick practice routine you can start right now.

What are the basic rules for telling time in german?

There are three essential points to remember:

• Hour first, minutes after. Example: fünf Uhr zwanzig (5:20).
• Use "Uhr" after the hour unless you are using informal expressions like "halb" or "viertel".
• Numbers follow German counting rules. The numbers tool helps you master them.

Here are ten quick examples:

• acht Uhr – 8:00
• neun Uhr fünf – 9:05
• zehn Uhr dreißig – 10:30
• elf Uhr vierzehn – 11:14
• zwölf Uhr fünfzehn – 12:15
• dreizehn Uhr null – 13:00 (1 p.m.)
• vierzehn Uhr zwanzig – 14:20
• fünfzehn Uhr drei – 15:03
• sechzehn Uhr vierundfünfzig – 16:54
• siebzehn Uhr neun – 17:09

How do I use the 12‑hour and 24‑hour clock in german?

German speakers switch between the 12‑hour and 24‑hour formats depending on context. In everyday conversation the 12‑hour clock is common, often clarified with vormittags (a.m.) or nachmittags (p.m.). In timetables, official documents, and business emails the 24‑hour clock is preferred.

Examples:

• Sie treffen mich um acht Uhr abends. – "She meets me at 8 p.m." (12‑hour)
• Der Zug fährt um 20:45 Uhr ab. – "The train departs at 20:45." (24‑hour)
• Wir haben das Meeting um 14:00 Uhr. – "We have the meeting at 14:00."

When you are unsure which format to use, check the everyday phrases list for typical time‑of‑day expressions.

How can I say half past, quarter past, and quarter to in german?

German uses the words halb (half), viertel (quarter), and the preposition vor (to) to describe these common fractions of an hour.

• halb drei – half past two (2:30). Note that you say the next hour.
• viertel nach sieben – quarter past seven (7:15).
• viertel vor neun – quarter to nine (8:45).
• dreiviertel vier – three‑quarters of four (3:45). This form is used mainly in Austria and parts of southern Germany.

Practice these with the listen‑and‑repeat tool to train your ear for the subtle vowel changes.

Practical steps to master German time expressions today

1. Write down the current time in German using the hour‑first rule. Example: if it is 11:07, write elf Uhr sieben.
2. Convert the same time to the 12‑hour format with vormittags or nachmittags. Example: elf Uhr sieben nachmittags.
3. Replace the minutes with a fraction phrase (quarter, half, etc.) for three random times each day. Example: viertel nach vier, halb sechs, viertel vor zehn.
4. Record yourself saying each phrase, then compare with the correct pronunciation using the repeat tool. Adjust any mispronounced umlauts.
5. Finally, test yourself with the phrase list – find the "time" section and quiz yourself without looking.

How to practise telling time with German Buddy

German Buddy lets you turn these rules into real conversation. In the Conversation mode you can role‑play a phone call where you ask for the train schedule, and the app will correct your time phrasing instantly. Use the Vocabulary Swipe deck to review the word Uhr and related time‑of‑day terms. When you feel ready, start a daily practice session; you get 7 days of unlimited access, then a free daily allowance that never runs out. start practising free.

FAQ

Can I use "am" and "pm" in German?

German does not use the English abbreviations. Instead you say vormittags for a.m. and nachmittags for p.m., or simply rely on the 24‑hour clock.

Do I need to say "Uhr" when I use "halb" or "viertel"?

No. Phrases like halb drei or viertel vor acht omit Uhr. The word is only needed when you give the exact hour and minutes.

How do I write times in formal German letters?

Use the 24‑hour format with a colon and the word Uhr after the hour, e.g., 15:30 Uhr. This removes any ambiguity.

Is "dreiviertel" used everywhere in German?

It is common in Austria, Bavaria, and parts of Switzerland, but less so in northern Germany where people prefer viertel vor constructions.