How to Tell Time in German A1-A2
To tell time in German, use the phrase Wie spät ist es? (What time is it?) and respond with Es ist... (It is...). This article will guide you through the basics of telling time in German.
What are the Basic Time-Telling Phrases in German?
In German, you can ask for the time using Wie spät ist es? (What time is it?) or Wie viel Uhr ist es? (What time is it?). To tell the time, use Es ist... (It is...) followed by the hour and minutes, such as Es ist drei Uhr fünfzehn (It is 3:15).
How Do I Say the Hours in German?
The hours in German are similar to those in English, with a few exceptions. For example, ein Uhr (one o'clock) is equivalent to 1:00 PM in English, while dreizehn Uhr (thirteen o'clock) is equivalent to 1:00 PM. You can practice the numbers on the /tools/numbers page.
What are the Rules for Telling Time in German?
- Use Es ist... (It is...) to start the sentence.
- State the hour, using Uhr (o'clock) for whole hours and halb (half) for half hours.
- Add the minutes, using fünfzehn (fifteen), zwanzig (twenty), or other numbers.
How Do I Practice Telling Time in German?
To practice telling time in German, try using the /tools/prompts page, which offers speaking and writing prompts on various topics, including time-telling. You can also use the /tools/repeat page to practice listening and repeating German phrases.
Practicing with German Buddy
To practice telling time in German with interactive exercises and corrections, start your 7-day free trial on the /pricing page and access the German Buddy app.
FAQ
What is the difference between Uhr and Stunde?
Uhr refers to the clock or a specific time, while Stunde refers to a period of 60 minutes. For example, Ich habe eine Stunde gewartet (I waited for an hour).
How do I say quarter to or quarter past in German?
To say quarter to, use viertel vor, and to say quarter past, use viertel nach. For example, Es ist viertel vor drei (It is quarter to three) or Es ist viertel nach drei (It is quarter past three).
Can I use halb for all half hours?
No, halb is only used for half hours on the hour, such as halb eins (half past twelve) or halb zwei (half past one). For other half hours, use dreißig (thirty), such as Es ist dreißig vor drei (It is half past two).