A1 Prepositions 18 min read Easy

German Preposition 'um': At and Around (Accusative)

Use um for precise clock times and circles, and always follow it with the accusative case.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'um' to specify exact clock times or to describe movement around an object.

  • Use 'um' for clock times: 'um acht Uhr' (at eight o'clock).
  • Use 'um' for circling or surrounding: 'um den Tisch' (around the table).
  • Always use the Accusative case after 'um'.
um + [Accusative Noun/Time] = Time or Location

Overview

um stands as a pivotal German preposition, uniquely serving to express both precise temporal points and spatial relationships of encirclement or approximation. It is classified as an accusative-only preposition, a category meaning any noun or pronoun directly following um must invariably take the accusative case. For learners at the A1 level, mastering um is fundamental.

It unlocks the ability to articulate exact times and describe movement or arrangement around objects, forming essential components of everyday German communication.

While English might employ a range of prepositions such as "at," "around," or "for" to convey similar ideas, German often consolidates these specific nuances into um under defined circumstances. This emphasis on precise usage with um reflects a broader characteristic of the German language, where prepositions often carry distinct meanings that reduce ambiguity. A solid grasp of um early in your learning journey will lay a strong foundation for understanding the German case system and its practical application.

How This Grammar Works

At its core, um functions as a relational marker that unequivocally demands the accusative case. In German grammar, the accusative case primarily indicates the direct object of a verb. When a preposition like um is involved, the accusative case applies to the noun or pronoun that is the direct object of the preposition's action or relationship.
This means the entity following um is the specific focus or endpoint of the prepositional phrase.
When um denotes movement around something, the accusative case highlights the path, extent, or target of this movement. Consider Wir gehen um den(m) Park (We walk around the park). Here, den(m) Park (which becomes den Park in the accusative) is the direct object of the movement described by um.
The park is the entity being encircled. Similarly, when um specifies an exact point in time, the accusative case treats this precise moment as the direct focus of reference. This consistent grammatical behavior provides predictability: whenever um is present, you automatically know the following noun phrase will be in the accusative.
This pattern holds true for other accusative-only prepositions like für (for) or durch (through).
This principle clarifies the 'why' behind the accusative usage: um identifies the direct entity (object or time point) that is being encompassed, referenced, or acted upon in a circumferential or punctual manner. It's not merely a location, but a direction toward or a boundary around a specific thing or moment. This fundamental function underpins all its uses.
Here are initial examples illustrating this consistent accusative requirement, with the accusative article change noted for masculine nouns:
  • Der Hund läuft um den Baum. (The dog runs around the tree.) — der Baum (nominative) becomes den Baum (accusative).
  • Das Treffen beginnt um achtzehn Uhr. (The meeting starts at six o'clock.) — achtzehn Uhr is a fixed time expression, no article is used here.
  • Sie bitten um Hilfe. (They ask for help.) — Hilfe (feminine) does not change its form in the accusative without an article.

Formation Pattern

1
Using um mandates the consistent application of the accusative case to the noun phrase or pronoun that immediately follows it. This rule primarily impacts the definite and indefinite articles as well as possessive pronouns. For A1 learners, the most noticeable and crucial change occurs with masculine nouns, where the nominative definite article der transforms into den, and the indefinite article ein becomes einen. Feminine, neuter, and plural articles remain unchanged in the accusative case, simplifying their application. Personal pronouns also change in the accusative case, for example, ich becomes mich, du becomes dich.
2
Step-by-step application of um:
3
Placement: Position um directly before the noun phrase, pronoun, or time expression you intend to modify.
4
Identify Gender/Number: Determine the grammatical gender (masculine, feminine, neuter) and number (singular, plural) of the noun.
5
Apply Accusative Form: Adjust the article, pronoun, or adjective ending according to the rules of the accusative case.
6
Accusative Article Changes with um
7
| Gender/Number | Nominative Definite Article | Accusative Definite Article (after um) | Nominative Indefinite Article | Accusative Indefinite Article (after um) |
8
| :------------ | :-------------------------- | :--------------------------------------- | :---------------------------- | :----------------------------------------- |
9
| Masculine | der | den | ein | einen |
10
| Feminine | die | die | eine | eine |
11
| Neuter | das | das | ein | ein |
12
| Plural | die(p) | die | (no indefinite article) | (no indefinite article) |
13
Examples with Nouns and Articles:
14
Er fährt um den See. (He drives around the lake.) — der becomes den.
15
Das Kind geht um die Ecke. (The child goes around the corner.) — die remains die.
16
Die Familie sitzt um das Lagerfeuer. (The family sits around the campfire.) — das remains das.
17
Sie tanzen um die Bäume. (They dance around the trees.) — die(p) remains die.
18
Examples with Personal Pronouns:
19
Er bittet mich um Hilfe. (He asks me for help.) — mich is the accusative form of ich.
20
Ich sorge mich um dich. (I worry about you.) — dich is the accusative form of du.
21
Using um with Clock Time:
22
When um indicates a specific clock time, the structure is simpler as no article is used before the number. The number itself acts as the direct reference point for the preposition. Uhr (o'clock) is often included but can be omitted in casual speech if the context is clear.
23
Pattern for Clock Time:
24
um + [Number] (+ Uhr)
25
Examples for Clock Time:
26
Der Film startet um zwanzig Uhr. (The film starts at eight PM.)
27
Wir treffen uns um halb sieben. (We meet at half past six.)
28
Können wir uns um 10:30 treffen? (Can we meet at 10:30?) — Note the omission of Uhr here.

When To Use It

um serves distinct functions primarily in expressing exact time points and spatial encirclement, with additional uses for approximations and certain idiomatic expressions. Understanding these contexts precisely is crucial.
  1. 1For Specific Clock Times (Uhrzeit): This is um's most rigid and frequently encountered application. It is exclusively used to specify an exact hour or minute on a clock. If you are referring to a precise time of day, um is the only correct preposition.
  • Rule: um + numerical time (e.g., 10:00, achtzehn Uhr, Mitternacht)
  • Das Geschäft schließt um 22:00 Uhr. (The shop closes at 10:00 PM.)
  • Ich muss um sieben Uhr aufstehen. (I have to get up at seven o'clock.)
  • Ihr Flug geht um Mitternacht. (Your flight departs at midnight.) — Note that Mitternacht (midnight) and Mittag (noon) function like specific times without Uhr.
  1. 1For Spatial "Around" or Encirclement: um describes movement or position that surrounds, encompasses, or forms a perimeter around an object or location. This can imply a full circle, a path along a boundary, or an arrangement of elements.
  • Movement Around: Indicating something moving along a circular or surrounding path.
  • Rule: um + Accusative Noun Phrase
  • Die Kinder rennen um den Spielplatz. (The children run around the playground.)
  • Wir fahren um die Altstadt. (We drive around the old town.)
  • Die Erde dreht sich um die Sonne. (The Earth revolves around the sun.) — This conveys a literal orbiting movement.
  • Position Around: Describing objects or people arranged in a circular or surrounding formation.
  • Rule: um + Accusative Noun Phrase
  • Wir sitzen um den Tisch. (We sit around the table.) — Here, um suggests a circular arrangement around the table.
  • Die Mauern sind um die Burg gebaut. (The walls are built around the castle.)
  • Es gibt viele Bäume um das Haus. (There are many trees around the house.)
  1. 1For Approximate Quantities, Ages, or Numbers (A1/A2 Introduction): In less formal contexts, um can denote an approximate value, number, or age. While often interchangeable with circa or ungefähr (approximately), um can carry a nuance of being "in the vicinity of" or "roughly at" the specified figure. This usage often appears with die.
  • Rule: um die + numerical value (accusative, often plural or implied plural)
  • Der Kurs kostet um die fünfzig Euro. (The course costs around fifty euros.)
  • Es waren um die hundert Leute bei der Party. (There were around a hundred people at the party.)
  • Er ist um die dreißig Jahre alt. (He is around thirty years old.) — This implies his age is roughly in that range.
  1. 1In Idiomatic Expressions and Fixed Phrases: Many common German verbs and phrases are inextricably linked with um. These must be learned as fixed units, as the meaning of um often shifts from its literal spatial or temporal sense.
  • jemanden / etwas um etwas bitten (to ask someone/something for something): Ich bitte dich um einen Gefallen. (I ask you for a favor.)
  • sich um jemanden / etwas kümmern (to take care of / look after someone/something): Sie kümmert sich um ihren Hund. (She takes care of her dog.)
  • es geht um etwas (it is about something / something is at stake): Es geht um die Zukunft. (It's about the future / The future is at stake.)
  • um die Ecke (around the corner): Der Laden ist um die Ecke. (The shop is around the corner.)
  • um ... herum (around, surrounding - reinforces the 'around'): Die Kinder spielen um das Haus herum. (The children are playing around the house.)

When Not To Use It

Avoiding common errors with um is as crucial as knowing when to use it. Many mistakes stem from direct translation from English, where prepositions have broader meanings. um is highly specific, and other German prepositions are required for different temporal and spatial relationships.
  1. 1For Days of the Week, Parts of the Day (morning, evening), Dates, or Weekends: Never use um for these. For these temporal expressions, you must use am (a contraction of an dem) followed by the dative case. am implies being on a specific day or part of a day, or at a specific date, rather than a precise clock point.
  • Incorrect: um Montag, um den Vormittag, um den 1. Mai, um das Wochenende
  • Correct: am Montag (on Monday), am Vormittag (in the morning), am 1. Mai (on May 1st), am Wochenende (on the weekend)
  • Wir treffen uns am Samstag. (We meet on Saturday.)
  1. 1For Months, Seasons, or Years: These broader time periods require im (a contraction of in dem) followed by the dative case. im indicates being in a longer time frame.
  • Incorrect: um Juli, um Sommer, um 2024
  • Correct: im Juli (in July), im Sommer (in summer), im Jahr 2024 (in the year 2024)
  • Mein Geburtstag ist im Dezember. (My birthday is in December.)
  1. 1For General Approximation or "About a Topic": Do not use um to mean "about" when referring to a general topic or subject. For this, you typically use über (over, about) with the accusative.
  • Incorrect: Ich spreche um den(m) Film. (I talk about the film.)
  • Correct: Ich spreche über den Film. (I talk about the film.)
  • Das Buch handelt über die Geschichte Deutschlands. (The book is about the history of Germany.)
  1. 1For Duration of Time or "Within": um does not express a duration (e.g., "for two hours") or being "within" a time frame. For duration, use für (for) with the accusative. For "within" a timeframe, use innerhalb (within) with the genitive (A2+) or in with the dative/accusative depending on context.
  • Incorrect: Ich warte um zwei Stunden. (I wait for two hours.)
  • Correct: Ich warte für zwei Stunden. (I wait for two hours.)
  • Incorrect: Ich mache es um einer Stunde. (I do it within an hour.)
  • Correct: Ich mache es innerhalb einer Stunde. (I do it within an hour.)
  1. 1For Movement "Through": While um means "around" (encircling the exterior), durch (through) with the accusative describes movement that passes through the interior of something, an opening, or a medium.
  • Incorrect: Wir gehen um den Wald. (We walk around the forest, implying perimeter.) — this is only correct if you mean the perimeter. If you mean through the forest, it's incorrect.
  • Correct: Wir gehen durch den Wald. (We walk through the forest.)
  • Der Ball fliegt durch das Fenster. (The ball flies through the window.)

Common Mistakes

German learners frequently make specific errors with um, particularly due to English interference and the complexities of the German case system. Being aware of these patterns can help you avoid them.
  • Using Dative Instead of Accusative: This is arguably the most common mistake. Learners might incorrectly apply the dative case after um, especially if they confuse it with two-way prepositions (which can take dative or accusative depending on motion) or if they simply forget that um is always accusative. Remember the unchanging nature of um.
  • Incorrect: Wir sitzen um dem Tisch. (Using dative dem instead of accusative den)
  • Correct: Wir sitzen um den Tisch.
  • Why it's wrong: um is a fixed accusative preposition; it never triggers the dative case.
  • Confusing um for Clock Time with am or im: A direct translation of English "at" or "on" can lead to using um for days, parts of the day, months, or seasons. German distinguishes these precisely.
  • Incorrect: Ich arbeite um Montag. (Using um for a day)
  • Correct: Ich arbeite am Montag.
  • Why it's wrong: um is for exact clock points; am (an + dem) is for days or parts of days (morning, evening), and im (in + dem) for months and seasons. They carry different temporal meanings.
  • Using um for "About a Topic" (Instead of über): Many learners, influenced by English "about," mistakenly use um when discussing a subject or topic.
  • Incorrect: Das Buch handelt um die Liebe. (Using um for "about love")
  • Correct: Das Buch handelt über die Liebe.
  • Why it's wrong: um does not convey the meaning of discussing a topic; über (accusative) is the correct preposition for this.
  • Incorrect Article Choice After um: Forgetting that masculine definite articles change from der to den in the accusative is a frequent slip-up. Feminine, neuter, and plural articles remain the same, sometimes leading to overgeneralization.
  • Incorrect: Er läuft um der Baum. (Using nominative der after um)
  • Correct: Er läuft um den Baum.
  • Why it's wrong: The accusative case specifically alters masculine singular articles. It's a key A1 grammar point.
  • Using Articles with Clock Times: Attempting to insert an article before a numerical clock time (e.g., um die 8 Uhr) when it's not required.
  • Incorrect: Das Konzert beginnt um die neunzehn Uhr.
  • Correct: Das Konzert beginnt um neunzehn Uhr.
  • Why it's wrong: For exact clock times, the number itself is the specific direct reference; no article is needed or grammatically correct.

Common Collocations

German prepositions frequently combine with specific verbs, nouns, or adjectives to form fixed expressions, known as collocations. Learning these as complete units is more effective than trying to understand them word-for-word. Here are some key collocations with um:
Verbs with um (accusative):
  • bitten um (to ask for / request something): This is a very common polite expression.
  • Ich möchte dich um Rat bitten. (I would like to ask you for advice.)
  • sich kümmern um (to take care of / look after something/someone): Implies responsibility or concern.
  • Wer kümmert sich um die Blumen im Urlaub? (Who takes care of the flowers during the holiday?)
  • gehen um (to be about something, to concern something): This refers to the topic or central issue.
  • Es geht um eine wichtige Entscheidung. (It's about an important decision.)
  • handeln um (to be about, to deal with something - similar to gehen um for topics):
  • Der Roman handelt um das Leben einer Künstlerin. (The novel is about the life of an artist.)
  • sich drehen um (to revolve around, to be centered on):
  • Alles dreht sich um das neue Projekt. (Everything revolves around the new project.)
  • sich streiten um (to argue about something):
  • Sie streiten sich um den letzten Keks. (They are arguing about the last cookie.)
Nouns and Adjectives with um (accusative):
  • die Diskussion um (the discussion about):
  • Die Diskussion um den Klimawandel ist wichtig. (The discussion about climate change is important.)
  • der Kampf um (the fight for/over):
  • Der Kampf um Gerechtigkeit geht weiter. (The fight for justice continues.)
  • besorgt um (concerned about):
  • Ich bin besorgt um deine Gesundheit. (I am concerned about your health.)
Fixed Expressions with um:
  • um die Ecke (around the corner): A common spatial phrase.
  • Das Café ist gleich um die Ecke. (The cafe is just around the corner.)
  • um ... herum (around - emphasizing encirclement): Often used to reinforce the 'around' meaning spatially.
  • Sie saßen um das Lagerfeuer herum. (They sat around the campfire.)
  • um Himmels willen (for heaven's sake): An exclamation, usually expressing exasperation or urgency.
  • Um Himmels willen, sei leise! (For heaven's sake, be quiet!)

Contrast With Similar Patterns

German has several prepositions and structures that, to an English speaker, might seem similar to um. However, they carry distinct meanings and are not interchangeable. Understanding these contrasts will refine your precision.
  1. 1um (Exact Time) vs. an (Days/Parts of Day):
  • um: Used exclusively for precise clock times. It indicates a specific point on the clock. (um 8 Uhr, um Mitternacht)
  • an (contracted to am for dative masculine/neuter singular): Used for days of the week, parts of the day (except Mitternacht, Mittag), and specific dates. am implies a duration or an event occurring on a particular day/part of a day, or at a specific date, rather than a precise numerical time.
  • Wir treffen uns um drei Uhr nachmittags. (We meet at three o'clock in the afternoon.)
  • Wir treffen uns am Nachmittag. (We meet in the afternoon.)
  • Key difference: um pins the moment to a specific number on the clock face; am refers to a larger temporal unit.
  1. 1um (Spatial "Around") vs. gegen (Approximate Time, Against):
  • um: Describes movement that encircles or forms a perimeter around something, always accusative. (um den Baum laufen)
  • gegen: This preposition has several meanings. For spatial context, it often means "against" (with potential contact or opposition) or "towards" (direction, without encircling). Temporally, at A2+ level, gegen can mean "around" or "towards" an approximate time, but not an exact one.
  • Ich gehe gegen die Wand. (I walk against the wall.)
  • Er kommt gegen acht Uhr. (He comes around eight o'clock.) — This implies approximately 8 o'clock, not exactly 8 o'clock.
  • Key difference: um is about encompassing or going along a boundary; gegen is about opposition, direction towards, or a looser temporal approximation.
  1. 1um (Approximate Quantity) vs. circa / ungefähr (Approximate):
  • um die: Specifically for approximate quantities, ages, or numbers (A1/A2). It's a fixed phrase um die + number (accusative).
  • circa / ungefähr: General adverbs meaning "approximately." These can modify various elements, not just quantities, and don't involve the case system.
  • Der Stuhl kostet um die zwanzig Euro. (The chair costs around twenty euros.)
  • Der Stuhl kostet ungefähr zwanzig Euro. (The chair costs approximately twenty euros.)
  • Key difference: um die is a specific prepositional phrase for numbers; circa/ungefähr are general adverbs.
  1. 1um (Spatial "Around") vs. durch (Through):
  • um: Implies going around the exterior or perimeter of an object.
  • durch (accusative): Implies passing through the interior of an object, a medium, or an opening.
  • Wir fahren um den See. (We drive around the lake.)
  • Wir fahren durch den Tunnel. (We drive through the tunnel.)
  • Key difference: um means exterior encirclement; durch means interior penetration.

Quick FAQ

These frequently asked questions address common points of confusion for learners regarding the preposition um.
  • Is um always followed by the accusative case?
Yes, absolutely. um is one of the "accusative-only" prepositions, meaning any noun, pronoun, or noun phrase immediately following it must always be in the accusative case. There are no exceptions to this rule.
  • Can I use um to say "about a topic" like in English?
No, um is not used for this purpose. If you want to talk "about a topic" or say something "concerns" a subject, you should typically use the preposition über (accusative). For example: Wir sprechen über die Neuigkeiten. (We talk about the news.)
  • What is the difference between um 8 Uhr and gegen 8 Uhr?
um 8 Uhr means exactly 8 o'clock. It refers to a precise point in time. gegen 8 Uhr (A2+ usage) means around 8 o'clock or "towards 8 o'clock." It indicates an approximate time, not an exact one. If precision is required, use um.
  • Why is there no article with um when stating clock times?
When um is used with clock times (e.g., um zehn Uhr), the number itself directly specifies the time point. The word Uhr functions as a unit of measurement for time, not a noun requiring an article in this construction. The time is already sufficiently precise and defined by the numeral, rendering an article redundant.
  • Do articles change for all genders after um?
No, only the masculine singular definite article (der becomes den) and masculine singular indefinite article (ein becomes einen) change in the accusative case. Feminine (die, eine), neuter (das, ein), and plural (die) definite and indefinite articles remain the same in the accusative as in the nominative. This simplifies usage for most noun genders.

Accusative Case with 'um'

Gender Article (Nom) Article (Acc) Example
Masculine
der
den
um den Tisch
Feminine
die
die
um die Lampe
Neuter
das
das
um das Haus
Plural
die
die
um die Bäume

Common Contractions

Full Form Contraction
um das
ums

Meanings

The preposition 'um' is used primarily to indicate a specific point in time (clock time) or a circular movement/position around an object.

1

Clock Time

Used to denote the exact hour.

“Der Zug kommt um zehn Uhr.”

“Um wie viel Uhr essen wir?”

2

Spatial/Circular

Used to describe movement around an object or being located on all sides of it.

“Wir laufen um den Park.”

“Der Zaun steht um das Haus.”

Reference Table

Reference table for German Preposition 'um': At and Around (Accusative)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
um + Accusative
Ich komme um 8 Uhr.
Negative
um + Accusative + nicht
Nicht um 8 Uhr.
Question
Um + Accusative + Verb + Subject?
Um wie viel Uhr gehst du?
Spatial
um + Accusative
Wir laufen um den Park.
Contraction
ums
Wir treffen uns ums Eck.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Wir treffen uns um 8 Uhr.

Wir treffen uns um 8 Uhr. (Scheduling)

Neutral
Wir treffen uns um 8.

Wir treffen uns um 8. (Scheduling)

Informal
Um 8, ja?

Um 8, ja? (Scheduling)

Slang
Um 8, ne?

Um 8, ne? (Scheduling)

Uses of Um

um

Time

  • um 8 Uhr at 8 o'clock

Space

  • um den Tisch around the table

Examples by Level

1

Wir treffen uns um acht Uhr.

We meet at eight o'clock.

2

Der Hund läuft um den Baum.

The dog runs around the tree.

3

Um wie viel Uhr ist das?

At what time is that?

4

Das Kind spielt um das Haus.

The child plays around the house.

1

Der Bus fährt um sieben Uhr ab.

The bus leaves at seven o'clock.

2

Wir sitzen um den runden Tisch.

We sit around the round table.

3

Er wickelt den Schal um den Hals.

He wraps the scarf around his neck.

4

Um diese Zeit schlafe ich meistens.

At this time I am usually sleeping.

1

Die Erde kreist um die Sonne.

The Earth orbits around the sun.

2

Wir haben uns um den See versammelt.

We gathered around the lake.

3

Um genau 14:30 Uhr beginnt der Film.

The movie starts at exactly 2:30 PM.

4

Sie legte ihre Arme um ihn.

She put her arms around him.

1

Die Polizei hat das Gebäude umstellt.

The police have surrounded the building.

2

Um diese Uhrzeit ist der Verkehr am schlimmsten.

At this time of day, traffic is at its worst.

3

Er ist um den Block gelaufen.

He ran around the block.

4

Wir müssen um den heißen Brei herumreden.

We have to beat around the bush.

1

Die Debatte dreht sich um die neue Steuer.

The debate revolves around the new tax.

2

Um Mitternacht beginnt das neue Jahr.

At midnight the new year begins.

3

Die Mauer wurde um die Stadt gebaut.

The wall was built around the city.

4

Er hat sich um den Finger gewickelt.

He has wrapped him around his finger.

1

Die gesamte Argumentation rankt sich um diesen einen Punkt.

The entire argument revolves around this one point.

2

Um die Jahrhundertwende änderte sich alles.

At the turn of the century, everything changed.

3

Sie schlang den Gürtel um ihre Taille.

She wrapped the belt around her waist.

4

Um Himmels willen, was hast du getan?

For heaven's sake, what have you done?

Easily Confused

German Preposition 'um': At and Around (Accusative) vs um vs. am

Both are used for time.

German Preposition 'um': At and Around (Accusative) vs um vs. durch

Both are spatial.

German Preposition 'um': At and Around (Accusative) vs um vs. bei

Both mean 'at'.

Common Mistakes

um Montag

am Montag

Use 'am' for days.

um der Tisch

um den Tisch

Masculine Accusative is 'den'.

um 8 Uhr morgens

um 8 Uhr

Redundant.

um das Park

um den Park

Park is masculine.

um die Ecke gehen

um die Ecke gehen

Correct, but watch for 'ums' contraction.

um 12 Uhr mittags

um 12 Uhr

Keep it simple.

um den Haus

um das Haus

Haus is neuter.

um die Zeit

um diese Zeit

Needs demonstrative.

um den See herum

um den See

Herum is often redundant.

um das Problem herumreden

um den heißen Brei herumreden

Idiom error.

um die Jahrhundertwende herum

um die Jahrhundertwende

Redundant.

um das Thema drehen

sich um das Thema drehen

Missing reflexive.

um den Finger wickeln

um den Finger wickeln

Correct, but check context.

um Himmels Willen

Um Himmels willen

Capitalization.

Sentence Patterns

Ich treffe mich um ___ Uhr.

Wir laufen um den ___.

Es geht um ___.

Um ___ Uhr beginnt die Arbeit.

Real World Usage

Scheduling a meeting constant

Treffen wir uns um 10?

Travel plans very common

Der Zug fährt um 15 Uhr.

Social media common

Party um 20 Uhr!

Directions common

Gehen Sie um das Gebäude.

Job interview common

Ich bin um 9 Uhr da.

Food delivery occasional

Lieferung um 19 Uhr.

💡

Clock Time

Always use 'um' for clock time. Never for days.
⚠️

Masculine Accusative

Don't forget 'den' for masculine nouns.
🎯

Contractions

Use 'ums' for 'um das'.
💬

Punctuality

Germans value 'um' times strictly.

Smart Tips

Always check if it's a clock time.

Ich komme am 8 Uhr. Ich komme um 8 Uhr.

Remember the circle.

Ich laufe in den Park. Ich laufe um den Park.

Change 'der' to 'den'.

um der Baum um den Baum

Use 'ums'.

um das Eck ums Eck

Pronunciation

/ʊm/

Vowel length

The 'u' in 'um' is short.

Question

Um wie viel Uhr? ↗

Rising intonation for questions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Um is for the clock's hum and the circle's sum.

Visual Association

Imagine a clock face (um) and a circular race track (um).

Rhyme

For the time on the clock, use 'um' at the dock.

Story

At 8 o'clock (um), I run around (um) the park. I see a clock and a circle. I am happy.

Word Web

UhrzeitKreisAkkusativBewegungZeitpunktRunde

Challenge

Write 3 sentences about your daily schedule using 'um'.

Cultural Notes

Germans are very punctual; 'um' is used for exact times.

Similar to Germany, but 'um' is used frequently in formal invitations.

Punctuality is highly valued; 'um' is essential.

From Old High German 'umbi', meaning 'around'.

Conversation Starters

Um wie viel Uhr stehst du auf?

Läufst du gerne um den Park?

Worum geht es in diesem Film?

Was denkst du über die Debatte um das neue Gesetz?

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über deinen Tagesablauf mit Uhrzeiten.
Beschreibe einen Spaziergang in deiner Stadt.
Diskutiere ein aktuelles Thema.
Reflektiere über eine historische Wende.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

Wir treffen uns ___ 8 Uhr.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: um
Clock time uses 'um'.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich laufe um den Park.
Masculine Accusative is 'den'.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Ich treffe dich um Montag.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich treffe dich am Montag.
Days use 'am'.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wir treffen uns um acht Uhr.
Standard word order.
Translate to German. Translation

At 5 o'clock.

Answer starts with: Um ...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Um 5 Uhr
Clock time uses 'um'.
Match the usage. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both
Um is used for both.
Correct article. Conjugation Drill

um ___ (der) Tisch

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: den
Accusative masculine.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use 'um' and 'Haus'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich laufe um das Haus.
Haus is neuter.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

Wir treffen uns ___ 8 Uhr.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: um
Clock time uses 'um'.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich laufe um den Park.
Masculine Accusative is 'den'.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Ich treffe dich um Montag.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich treffe dich am Montag.
Days use 'am'.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Uhr / wir / um / treffen / uns / acht

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wir treffen uns um acht Uhr.
Standard word order.
Translate to German. Translation

At 5 o'clock.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Um 5 Uhr
Clock time uses 'um'.
Match the usage. Match Pairs

Match 'um' usage.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both
Um is used for both.
Correct article. Conjugation Drill

um ___ (der) Tisch

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: den
Accusative masculine.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use 'um' and 'Haus'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich laufe um das Haus.
Haus is neuter.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the correct article: Der Weg führt um ___ (das) Gebäude. Fill in the Blank

Der Weg führt um ___ Gebäude.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: das
Translate to German: 'The meeting is at 9 o'clock.' Translation

The meeting is at 9 o'clock.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das Meeting ist um 9 Uhr.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

läuft / der Hund / den / um / Garten

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Der Hund läuft um den Garten.
Identify the correct use of 'um' for an approximate price. Multiple Choice

How do you say 'The phone costs around 300 Euro'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das Handy kostet um die 300 Euro.
Match the preposition with its usage. Match Pairs

Match the following:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: um | Clock Time
Fill in the blank: Wir sitzen ___ {den|m} Tisch. Fill in the Blank

Wir sitzen ___ den Tisch.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: um
Correct the article: Wir gehen um der Park. Error Correction

Wir gehen um der Park.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wir gehen um den Park.
When do you use 'um'? Multiple Choice

Select the correct scenario:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: To say 'at 3:30 PM'
Fill in the blank: Ich komme ___ (about) 10 Uhr. Fill in the Blank

Ich komme ___ 10 Uhr.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: um
Translate: 'around the world' Translation

around the world

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: um die Welt

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

No, use 'im' for months.

Yes, always.

It is 'um das'.

No, use 'im' or 'bei'.

It is neutral.

Because it is Accusative.

No, use 'im'.

Yes, like 'um den heißen Brei'.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

a las / alrededor de

German uses one word for both.

French moderate

à / autour de

German uses one word for both.

Japanese low

ni / mawari ni

German is a preposition-based language.

Arabic low

fi / hawla

German uses 'um' for clock time.

Chinese low

zai / zhouwei

German uses prepositions.

English high

at / around

German uses 'um' for both.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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