German grammar: Uhrzeit

What this grammar point covers

In German, 'Uhrzeit' means telling the time. You learn how to ask and say what time it is using specific German phrases and numbers.

When to use it

Use these forms when you want to ask or tell someone the time in German, for example in daily conversations, making appointments, or reading schedules.

Key forms

• Wie spät ist es?
• Es ist ... Uhr.
• Es ist halb ...
• Es ist Viertel nach ...
• Es ist Viertel vor ...

Examples

Tips

• In German, 'halb drei' means 2:30, not 3:30. It is half an hour before three.
• Use 'Uhr' only with full hours (e.g., 'es ist drei Uhr').
• For times after the hour, use 'nach' (after), and for before the hour, use 'vor' (before).

Exceptions and edge cases

• Sometimes, Germans use the 24-hour clock, especially in timetables or official contexts.