Telling the time (formal)
A1 · Beginner · Basics
The rule
Es ist + number + Uhr; halb drei = 2:30.
How it works
The formal way to tell time uses the 24-hour clock or the 12-hour clock with the word Uhr: Es ist fünfzehn Uhr dreißig (15:30). Official announcements, timetables and appointments often use it. Halb is used differently from English: halb drei means half way to three, which is 2:30.
When to use it
Tell the time precisely, for example in train timetables, appointments and official contexts.
Use cases
- Reading train timetables and cinema times
- Making official appointments
- Telling time precisely in writing
Examples
- Es ist halb drei – It is half past two
- Der Zug fährt um 14.45 Uhr. – The train leaves at 14:45.
- Es ist acht Uhr fünfzehn. – It is 8:15.
- Die Sitzung beginnt um zehn Uhr. – The meeting starts at ten o'clock.
Common mistake
Reading halb drei as "half past three". In German halb drei means 2:30, half (way) to three.
Memory tip
Halb always points to the next hour: halb zehn is 9:30.