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📝Telling Time
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Telling Time

Introduction​

In this lesson, you'll learn how to tell time in German. This essential skill will help you schedule activities, make appointments, and discuss your daily routine.

Basic Vocabulary​

Time Expressions​

GermanEnglishPronunciation
die Uhrclock/watch[uːɐ̯]
die Stundehour[ˈʃtʊndə]
die Minuteminute[miˈnuːtə]
die Sekundesecond[zeˈkʊndə]
die Zeittime[t͡saɪ̯t]
die Uhrzeittime (o'clock)[ˈuːɐ̯t͡saɪ̯t]
die Viertelstundequarter hour[ˈfɪʁtl̩ˌʃtʊndə]
die Hälftehalf[ˈhɛlftə]

Time Indicators​

GermanEnglishPronunciation
morgensin the morning[ˈmɔʁɡn̩s]
mittagsat noon[ˈmɪtaːks]
nachmittagsin the afternoon[ˈnaːxmɪtaːks]
abendsin the evening[ˈaːbn̩ts]
nachtsat night[naxts]
heutetoday[ˈhɔɪ̯tə]
morgentomorrow[ˈmɔʁɡn̩]
gesternyesterday[ˈɡɛstɐn]

Time Categories​

morgens (morning)
mittags (noon)
nachmittags (afternoon)
abends (evening)
nachts (night)

Using Time in Context​

Q: Wie spät ist es?
A: Es ist drei Uhr.

Q: Wann treffen wir uns?
A: Wir treffen uns um zwei Uhr.

Q: Wann stehst du auf?
A: Ich stehe um sieben Uhr auf.

Grammar Notes​

Time Expressions
  • Use "um" before the time when making appointments
  • Use "Uhr" after the number for o'clock
  • Use "halb" for half past (e.g., "halb drei" = 2:30)
  • Use "Viertel" for quarter past/to (e.g., "Viertel vor drei" = 2:45)
Pronunciation Tips
  • "u" in "Uhr" is pronounced like "oo"
  • "ei" in "Zeit" is pronounced like "eye"
  • "ch" in "nachts" is pronounced like "kh"

Cultural Notes​

Cultural Insight

In German-speaking countries:

  • Time is typically given in 24-hour format
  • Punctuality is very important
  • Appointments are usually made well in advance
  • Business hours are strictly observed

Interactive Practice​

1. Time Recognition​

Which word means 'hour'?

Which word means 'in the morning'?

Which word means 'tomorrow'?

Practice Exercises​

1. Speaking Practice​

  • Practice telling the time
  • Practice making appointments
  • Practice describing your daily schedule
  • Practice asking about someone's schedule

2. Writing Practice​

Write out:

  • Your typical daily schedule
  • Appointments for the week
  • Questions about time
  • Time expressions in different contexts

3. Listening Practice​

  • Listen to the audio samples
  • Try to identify the times
  • Practice the pronunciation

Vocabulary List​

GermanEnglishExample
Wie spät ist es?What time is it?Es ist drei Uhr.
Wann treffen wir uns?When shall we meet?Um zwei Uhr.
Um wie viel Uhr...?At what time...?Um wie viel Uhr beginnt der Film?
halbhalf pasthalb drei (2:30)
Viertel vor/nachquarter to/pastViertel vor drei (2:45)

Next Steps​

  • Practice using time expressions in conversations
  • Try making appointments
  • Move on to Basic Adjectives when you're ready
  • Complete the homework exercises
Homework
  1. Write out your daily schedule in German
  2. Create a weekly appointment calendar
  3. Practice asking and telling time
  4. Complete the online exercises