Difference between revisions of "Language/German/Vocabulary/Telling-Time"

Latest revision as of 18:19, 31 July 2024

◀️ Days of the Week and Months — Previous Lesson	Next Lesson — Verb Forms ▶️

German → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Telling Time

Welcome to the lesson on telling time in German! Understanding how to express time is crucial for everyday conversations, whether you're planning an appointment, meeting friends, or just chatting about your day. Knowing how to tell time can greatly enhance your ability to navigate social situations and manage your schedule in a German-speaking environment.

In this lesson, we'll cover the following topics:

The basics of telling time in German

How to ask for the time

Common expressions related to time

Examples to clarify each point

Practice exercises for you to apply what you've learned

By the end of this lesson, you will feel more confident in using time expressions in German conversations. So, let's get started!

The Basics of Telling Time in German[edit | edit source]

Telling time in German is relatively straightforward once you get the hang of it. Here are the essential phrases and structures you will need:

Saying the Time[edit | edit source]

In German, the phrase "Es ist" (It is) is used to indicate the time. The structure is as follows:

Es ist [hour] Uhr (It is [hour] o'clock)

For example:

Es ist 3 Uhr. (It is 3 o'clock.)

When the minutes are involved, you can use the following structures:

Es ist [hour] Uhr [minutes] (It is [hour] [minutes])

Es ist [hour] Uhr [minutes] nach (It is [hour] minutes past [hour])

Es ist [hour] Uhr [minutes] vor (It is [hour] minutes to [hour])

For example:

Es ist 3 Uhr 15. (It is 3:15.)

Es ist 3 Uhr 15 nach drei. (It is 15 minutes past 3.)

Es ist 3 Uhr 45 vor vier. (It is 15 minutes to 4.)

Hours and Minutes[edit | edit source]

Below is a table illustrating how to express different hours and minutes in German:

German	Pronunciation	English
1 Uhr	aɪn uːr	1 o'clock
2 Uhr	tsvaː uːr	2 o'clock
3 Uhr	driː uːr	3 o'clock
4 Uhr	fiːr uːr	4 o'clock
5 Uhr	faɪf uːr	5 o'clock
6 Uhr	zɛks uːr	6 o'clock
7 Uhr	ziːbən uːr	7 o'clock
8 Uhr	aχt uːr	8 o'clock
9 Uhr	noɪn uːr	9 o'clock
10 Uhr	tsɛn uːr	10 o'clock
11 Uhr	elf uːr	11 o'clock
12 Uhr	tsvaːlf uːr	12 o'clock

You can build upon this foundation by adding the minutes. For instance:

10:05 in German is: Es ist 10 Uhr 5.

10:25 in German is: Es ist 10 Uhr 25.

Asking for the Time[edit | edit source]

When you're curious about the time, you can ask in a few different ways:

Wie spät ist es? (What time is it?)

Könnten Sie mir sagen, wie spät es ist? (Could you tell me what time it is?)

These are polite and common ways to inquire about the time.

Here’s how to respond to these questions, using the previous structures we've discussed.

Common Expressions Related to Time[edit | edit source]

In addition to telling time, it's useful to know some common expressions related to time. Here are a few:

Um wie viel Uhr...? (At what time...?)

Heute um 3 Uhr. (Today at 3 o'clock.)

Morgen um 5 Uhr. (Tomorrow at 5 o'clock.)

Gestern um 7 Uhr. (Yesterday at 7 o'clock.)

In einer Stunde. (In one hour.)

These phrases will help you communicate more effectively about time in various contexts.

Examples of Telling Time[edit | edit source]

To further clarify how to tell time in German, here’s a table with different examples:

German	Pronunciation	English
Es ist 1 Uhr.	ɛs ɪst aɪn uːr	It is 1 o'clock.
Es ist 2 Uhr 30.	ɛs ɪst tsvaː uːr dɛʁ t͡siː	It is 2:30.
Es ist 4 Uhr 15.	ɛs ɪst fiːr uːr fɪfˈt͡siːn	It is 4:15.
Es ist 6 Uhr 45.	ɛs ɪst zɛks uːr fɔʁ fɛʁt͡siː	It is 6:45.
Es ist 9 Uhr 5.	ɛs ɪst noɪn uːr faɪf	It is 9:05.
Es ist 11 Uhr 20.	ɛs ɪst elf uːr t͡svɑn͡tɪg	It is 11:20.
Es ist 12 Uhr.	ɛs ɪst tsvaːlf uːr	It is 12 o'clock.
Es ist 3 Uhr 10.	ɛs ɪst driː uːr tsɛn	It is 3:10.
Es ist 5 Uhr 30.	ɛs ɪst faɪf uːr dɛʁ t͡siː	It is 5:30.
Es ist 8 Uhr 5.	ɛs ɪst aχt uːr faɪf	It is 8:05.

Now that you have a solid foundation in telling time, let's put your skills to the test with some exercises!

Exercises for Practice[edit | edit source]

Here are some exercises to help you practice what you've learned in this lesson. Try to answer them before checking the solutions at the end.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks[edit | edit source]

Complete the sentences with the correct time expressions.

1. Es ist ___ Uhr. (It is ___ o'clock.)

2. ___ wie viel Uhr ist es? (What time is it?)

3. Es ist ___ Uhr ___ (It is ___ hour ___ minutes.)

4. Heute um ___ Uhr. (Today at ___ o'clock.)

5. Es ist ___ Uhr ___ nach ___ (It is ___ o'clock ___ past ___)

Exercise 2: Translate the Sentences[edit | edit source]

Translate the following sentences into German.

1. It is 3:15.

2. What time is it?

3. It is 6:45.

4. Today at 5:00.

5. It is 10:05.

Exercise 3: Ask for the Time[edit | edit source]

Formulate questions using the phrases learned in this lesson.

1. You want to know the time from a friend.

2. You are in a store and want to know the time from the cashier.

3. You are at a bus stop and want to know the time from a stranger.

Exercise 4: Match the Time with the German Expression[edit | edit source]

Match the time on the left with the correct German expression on the right.

| Time | German Expression |

|------------|--------------------------------|

| 1:00 | a) Es ist 3 Uhr 30. |

| 3:30 | b) Es ist 1 Uhr. |

| 4:15 | c) Es ist 4 Uhr 15. |

| 2:45 | d) Es ist 2 Uhr 45. |

Exercise 5: Create Your Own Sentences[edit | edit source]

Use the times provided to create sentences in German.

1. 7:00

2. 9:15

3. 12:30

4. 10:45

5. 11:05

Solutions and Explanations[edit | edit source]

Now, let's take a look at the solutions for the exercises. This will help reinforce your learning and clarify any misunderstandings.

Solutions to Exercise 1[edit | edit source]

1. Es ist 3 Uhr.

2. Wie spät ist es?

3. Es ist 5 Uhr 15.

4. Heute um 4 Uhr.

5. Es ist 2 Uhr 30 nach 1.

Solutions to Exercise 2[edit | edit source]

1. Es ist 3 Uhr 15.

2. Wie spät ist es?

3. Es ist 6 Uhr 45.

4. Heute um 5 Uhr.

5. Es ist 10 Uhr 5.

Solutions to Exercise 3[edit | edit source]

1. Wie spät ist es?

2. Könnten Sie mir sagen, wie spät es ist?

3. Entschuldigung, wie spät ist es?

Solutions to Exercise 4[edit | edit source]

| Time | German Expression |

|------------|--------------------------------|

| 1:00 | b) Es ist 1 Uhr. |

| 3:30 | a) Es ist 3 Uhr 30. |

| 4:15 | c) Es ist 4 Uhr 15. |

| 2:45 | d) Es ist 2 Uhr 45. |

Solutions to Exercise 5[edit | edit source]

1. Es ist 7 Uhr.

2. Es ist 9 Uhr 15.

3. Es ist 12 Uhr 30.

4. Es ist 10 Uhr 45.

5. Es ist 11 Uhr 5.

Congratulations on completing the lesson on telling time in German! With practice, you'll become more comfortable with these expressions. Make sure to review the exercises and examples regularly to reinforce your learning.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification. Happy learning!

Table of Contents - German Course - 0 to A1[edit source]

Course Presentation

Basic Sentence Structures

Greetings and Introduction

Definite and Indefinite Articles

Numbers, Dates and Time

Verbs and Conjugation

Family and Friends

Prepositions

Food and Drinks

Germany and German-Speaking Countries

Pronouns and Possessives

Travel and Transportation

Modal Verbs

Shopping and Clothes

Music and Entertainment

Adjectives

Health and Body

Time and Temporal Prepositions

Videos[edit | edit source]

Telling The Time | Learn German for Beginners | Lesson 09 - YouTube[edit | edit source]

Sources[edit | edit source]

Other Lessons[edit | edit source]

◀️ Days of the Week and Months — Previous Lesson	Next Lesson — Verb Forms ▶️

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
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 {{German-Page-Top}}
+<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/German|German]]  → [[Language/German/Vocabulary|Vocabulary]] → [[Language/German/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Telling Time</div>
+Welcome to the lesson on telling time in German! Understanding how to express time is crucial for everyday conversations, whether you're planning an appointment, meeting friends, or just chatting about your day. Knowing how to tell time can greatly enhance your ability to navigate social situations and manage your schedule in a German-speaking environment.
+In this lesson, we'll cover the following topics:
+* The basics of telling time in German
+* How to ask for the time
+* Common expressions related to time
+* Examples to clarify each point
-<div class="pg_page_title">German Vocabulary → Numbers, Dates and Time → Telling Time</div>
+* Practice exercises for you to apply what you've learned
+By the end of this lesson, you will feel more confident in using time expressions in German conversations. So, let's get started!
 __TOC__
-As a German language teacher for over 20 years, I have seen just how important it is to understand how to express time in German. In this lesson, you will learn how to tell time in German and ask for the time. This lesson is part of the "Complete 0 to A1 German Course". Let's get started!
+=== The Basics of Telling Time in German ===
+Telling time in German is relatively straightforward once you get the hang of it. Here are the essential phrases and structures you will need:
+==== Saying the Time ====
+In German, the phrase "Es ist" (It is) is used to indicate the time. The structure is as follows:
+* '''Es ist [hour] Uhr''' (It is [hour] o'clock)
+For example:
+* Es ist 3 Uhr. (It is 3 o'clock.)
+When the minutes are involved, you can use the following structures:
+* '''Es ist [hour] Uhr [minutes]''' (It is [hour] [minutes])
+* '''Es ist [hour] Uhr [minutes] nach''' (It is [hour] minutes past [hour])
+* '''Es ist [hour] Uhr [minutes] vor''' (It is [hour] minutes to [hour])
+For example:
+* Es ist 3 Uhr 15. (It is 3:15.)
+* Es ist 3 Uhr 15 nach drei. (It is 15 minutes past 3.)
+* Es ist 3 Uhr 45 vor vier. (It is 15 minutes to 4.)
+==== Hours and Minutes ====
+Below is a table illustrating how to express different hours and minutes in German:
+{| class="wikitable"
+! German !! Pronunciation !! English
+|-
+| 1 Uhr || aɪn uːr || 1 o'clock
+|-
+| 2 Uhr || tsvaː uːr || 2 o'clock
+|-
+| 3 Uhr || driː uːr || 3 o'clock
+|-
+| 4 Uhr || fiːr uːr || 4 o'clock
+|-
+| 5 Uhr || faɪf uːr || 5 o'clock
+|-
+| 6 Uhr || zɛks uːr || 6 o'clock
+|-
+| 7 Uhr || ziːbən uːr || 7 o'clock
+|-
+| 8 Uhr || aχt uːr || 8 o'clock
+|-
+| 9 Uhr || noɪn uːr || 9 o'clock
+|-
+| 10 Uhr || tsɛn uːr || 10 o'clock
+|-
+| 11 Uhr || elf uːr || 11 o'clock
+|-
+| 12 Uhr || tsvaːlf uːr || 12 o'clock
+|}
+You can build upon this foundation by adding the minutes. For instance:
+* 10:05 in German is: '''Es ist 10 Uhr 5.'''
+* 10:25 in German is: '''Es ist 10 Uhr 25.'''
+=== Asking for the Time ===
+When you're curious about the time, you can ask in a few different ways:
+* '''Wie spät ist es?''' (What time is it?)
+* '''Könnten Sie mir sagen, wie spät es ist?''' (Could you tell me what time it is?)
+These are polite and common ways to inquire about the time.
-<span link>Consider exploring these related pages after completing this lesson: [[Language/German/Vocabulary/Shapes|Shapes]] & [[Language/German/Vocabulary/Drinks|Drinks]].</span>
+Here’s how to respond to these questions, using the previous structures we've discussed.
-== German Time Expressions ==
-Before diving into how to tell time in German, it's crucial to understand the basic German time expressions. Here are some of the most common German time expressions:
-* __die Uhrzeit__ - time (literally "clock time")
+=== Common Expressions Related to Time ===
-* __halb__ - half
-* __viertel nach__ - quarter past
-* __viertel vor__ - quarter to
-== Telling Time in German ==
+In addition to telling time, it's useful to know some common expressions related to time. Here are a few:
-Telling time in German is relatively easy once you understand some basic rules. Here's how to express time in German:
-* Use the 24-hour clock system: German speakers use the 24-hour clock system, so it's important to know how to use it. Instead of saying, for example, "3:00 PM", Germans would say "15:00".
+* '''Um wie viel Uhr...?''' (At what time...?)
-* Say the hour first: When telling time in German, always say the hour first, followed by the minutes.
+* '''Heute um 3 Uhr.''' (Today at 3 o'clock.)
-* Use "Uhr" to indicate the hour: If you're telling time on the hour, use the word "Uhr" after the hour. For example, "es ist zwei Uhr" means "it is two o'clock".
+* '''Morgen um 5 Uhr.''' (Tomorrow at 5 o'clock.)
-* Use "nach" and "vor" to indicate minutes after or before the hour: If you're telling time after the hour, use "nach" (after) to indicate the minutes past the hour. For example, "es ist drei nach zehn" means "it is ten past three".
+* '''Gestern um 7 Uhr.''' (Yesterday at 7 o'clock.)
-If you're telling time before the hour, use "vor" (before) to indicate the minutes before the hour. For example, "es ist zehn vor drei" means "it is ten to three".
+* '''In einer Stunde.''' (In one hour.)
-* Use "halb" to indicate half past the hour: For example, "es ist halb zwei" means "it is half past one".
+These phrases will help you communicate more effectively about time in various contexts.
-* Use "viertel vor/nach" to indicate quarter to and quarter past the hour: For example, "es ist viertel nach acht" means "it is quarter past eight" and "es ist viertel vor sieben" means "it is quarter to seven".
+=== Examples of Telling Time ===
-Here are some examples of telling time in German using these rules:
+To further clarify how to tell time in German, here’s a table with different examples:
 {| class="wikitable"
 ! German !! Pronunciation !! English
+|-
+| Es ist 1 Uhr. || ɛs ɪst aɪn uːr || It is 1 o'clock.
 |-
-| Es ist eins || es ist eins || It is one o'clock.
+| Es ist 2 Uhr 30. || ɛs ɪst tsvaː uːr dɛʁ t͡siː || It is 2:30.
+|-
+| Es ist 4 Uhr 15. || ɛs ɪst fiːr uːr fɪfˈt͡siːn || It is 4:15.
+|-
+| Es ist 6 Uhr 45. || ɛs ɪst zɛks uːr fɔʁ fɛʁt͡siː || It is 6:45.
+|-
+| Es ist 9 Uhr 5. || ɛs ɪst noɪn uːr faɪf || It is 9:05.
+|-
+| Es ist 11 Uhr 20. || ɛs ɪst elf uːr t͡svɑn͡tɪg || It is 11:20.
 |-
-| Es ist fünfzehn Uhr || es ist fünf-t-zehn uhr || It is fifteen o'clock (3:00 PM).
+| Es ist 12 Uhr. || ɛs ɪst tsvaːlf uːr || It is 12 o'clock.
 |-
-| Es ist Viertel vor drei || es ist viertel vor drei || It is quarter to three.
+| Es ist 3 Uhr 10. || ɛs ɪst driː uːr tsɛn || It is 3:10.
 |-
-| Es ist drei nach halb sechs || es ist drei nach halb sechs || It is three thirty-three.
+| Es ist 5 Uhr 30. || ɛs ɪst faɪf uːr dɛʁ t͡siː || It is 5:30.
 |-
-| Es ist halb acht || es ist halb acht || It is half past seven.
+| Es ist 8 Uhr 5. || ɛs ɪst aχt uːr faɪf || It is 8:05.
 |}
-It's essential to practice telling time in German aloud to improve your pronunciation and internalize the rules.
+Now that you have a solid foundation in telling time, let's put your skills to the test with some exercises!
+=== Exercises for Practice ===
+Here are some exercises to help you practice what you've learned in this lesson. Try to answer them before checking the solutions at the end.
+==== Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks ====
+Complete the sentences with the correct time expressions.
+. Es ist ___ Uhr. (It is ___ o'clock.)
+. ___ wie viel Uhr ist es? (What time is it?)
+. Es ist ___ Uhr ___ (It is ___ hour ___ minutes.)
+. Heute um ___ Uhr. (Today at ___ o'clock.)
+. Es ist ___ Uhr ___ nach ___ (It is ___ o'clock ___ past ___)
+==== Exercise 2: Translate the Sentences ====
+Translate the following sentences into German.
+. It is 3:15.
+. What time is it?
+. It is 6:45.
+. Today at 5:00.
+. It is 10:05.
+==== Exercise 3: Ask for the Time ====
+Formulate questions using the phrases learned in this lesson.
+. You want to know the time from a friend.
+. You are in a store and want to know the time from the cashier.
+. You are at a bus stop and want to know the time from a stranger.
+==== Exercise 4: Match the Time with the German Expression ====
+Match the time on the left with the correct German expression on the right.
+| Time       | German Expression              |
+|------------|--------------------------------|
+| 1:00       | a) Es ist 3 Uhr 30.            |
+| 3:30       | b) Es ist 1 Uhr.               |
+| 4:15       | c) Es ist 4 Uhr 15.            |
+| 2:45       | d) Es ist 2 Uhr 45.            |
+==== Exercise 5: Create Your Own Sentences ====
+Use the times provided to create sentences in German.
+. 7:00
+. 9:15
+. 12:30
+. 10:45
+. 11:05
+=== Solutions and Explanations ===
+Now, let's take a look at the solutions for the exercises. This will help reinforce your learning and clarify any misunderstandings.
+==== Solutions to Exercise 1 ====
+. Es ist 3 Uhr.
+. Wie spät ist es?
+. Es ist 5 Uhr 15.
+. Heute um 4 Uhr.
+. Es ist 2 Uhr 30 nach 1.
+==== Solutions to Exercise 2 ====
+. Es ist 3 Uhr 15.
+. Wie spät ist es?
+. Es ist 6 Uhr 45.
+. Heute um 5 Uhr.
+. Es ist 10 Uhr 5.
+==== Solutions to Exercise 3 ====
+. Wie spät ist es?
+. Könnten Sie mir sagen, wie spät es ist?
+. Entschuldigung, wie spät ist es?
+==== Solutions to Exercise 4 ====
+| Time       | German Expression              |
+|------------|--------------------------------|
+| 1:00       | b) Es ist 1 Uhr.               |
+| 3:30       | a) Es ist 3 Uhr 30.            |
+| 4:15       | c) Es ist 4 Uhr 15.            |
+| 2:45       | d) Es ist 2 Uhr 45.            |
+==== Solutions to Exercise 5 ====
-== Asking for the Time in German ==
+. Es ist 7 Uhr.
-Now that you know how to tell time, you'll need to know how to ask for the time in German. Here are two common ways to ask for the time:
-* __Wie spät ist es?__ - What time is it?
+. Es ist 9 Uhr 15.
-* __Können Sie mir bitte sagen, wie spät es ist?__ - Can you please tell me what time it is?
-These phrases are polite ways to ask for the time in German, and most Germans will be pleased to help.
+. Es ist 12 Uhr 30.
-== Conclusion ==
+. Es ist 10 Uhr 45.
-Congratulations, you've just learned how to tell time in German and ask for the time. Practice is key when learning new vocabulary, so make sure to practice telling time in German as much as you can. Keep practicing, and you'll be fluent in no time!
-<span class='maj'></span>
+. Es ist 11 Uhr 5.
-==Sources==
-* [https://www.berlitz.com/blog/how-to-tell-time-german How to Tell the Time in German: A Comprehensive Guide]
+Congratulations on completing the lesson on telling time in German! With practice, you'll become more comfortable with these expressions. Make sure to review the exercises and examples regularly to reinforce your learning.
-* [https://www.fluentu.com/blog/german/german-time-phrases-expressions/ 36 Essential German Time Phrases and Expressions for Beginners ...]
-* [https://www.fluentin3months.com/german-time/ German Time: How To Tell The Time in German]
+Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification. Happy learning!
-<span link>Upon wrapping up this lesson, take a look at these related pages: [[Language/German/Vocabulary/Problems-in-German|Problems in German]] & [[Language/German/Vocabulary/Introducing|Introducing]].</span>
 {{#seo:
-|title=German Vocabulary → Numbers, Dates and Time → Telling Time
-|keywords=German vocabulary, numbers, dates, time, telling time, German language, German time expressions, time in German, asking for the time, learn German
+|title=Telling Time in German: A Beginner's Guide
-|description=In this lesson, you will learn how to express time in German and ask for the time. You'll also learn important German time expressions and how to use them correctly. Practice your pronunciation and soon you'll be fluent!
+|keywords=German vocabulary, telling time, German for beginners, learn German, time expressions, asking for time
+|description=In this lesson, you will learn how to express time in German and ask for the time, along with practical exercises to reinforce your understanding.
 }}
-{{German-0-to-A1-Course-TOC}}
+{{Template:German-0-to-A1-Course-TOC}}
 [[Category:Course]]
@@ Line 91: / Line 357: @@
 [[Category:0-to-A1-Course]]
 [[Category:German-0-to-A1-Course]]
+<span openai_correct_model></span> <span gpt></span> <span model=gpt-4o-mini></span> <span temperature=0.7></span>
 ==Videos==
@@ Line 96: / Line 363: @@
 ===Telling The Time | Learn German for Beginners | Lesson 09 - YouTube===
 <youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b1t5I7c4w0</youtube>
+==Sources==
+* [https://www.berlitz.com/blog/how-to-tell-time-german How to Tell the Time in German: A Comprehensive Guide]
+* [https://www.fluentu.com/blog/german/german-time-phrases-expressions/ 36 Essential German Time Phrases and Expressions for Beginners ...]
+* [https://www.fluentin3months.com/german-time/ German Time: How To Tell The Time in German]
 ==Other Lessons==
@@ Line 108: / Line 385: @@
 * [[Language/German/Vocabulary/Jobs|Jobs]]
 * [[Language/German/Vocabulary/Talking-About-Your-Friends|Talking About Your Friends]]
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