Meaning
A polite way to ask for the current time.
Cultural Background
Punctuality is a core value. Asking for the time is often a prelude to ensuring one is not late for a 'Termin' (appointment). In Vienna, you might hear 'Wie spät haben wir's?'. The tone is often slightly more melodic and polite. Swiss German speakers might use 'Wie spät isch es?'. Precision is highly valued, reflecting the famous watchmaking heritage. Be careful with time responses! 'Dreiviertel acht' means 7:45 in the East, but might confuse Westerners.
The 'How Late' Rule
Always remember that Germans ask 'How late' not 'What time'. This is the biggest hurdle for English speakers.
Politeness First
Never skip the 'Entschuldigung' when asking a stranger. It's considered rude to just bark 'Wie spät ist es?'.
Meaning
A polite way to ask for the current time.
The 'How Late' Rule
Always remember that Germans ask 'How late' not 'What time'. This is the biggest hurdle for English speakers.
Politeness First
Never skip the 'Entschuldigung' when asking a stranger. It's considered rude to just bark 'Wie spät ist es?'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to ask for the time politely.
Entschuldigung, wie ______ ist es?
'Wie spät ist es?' is the standard idiomatic expression.
Which of these is a correct way to ask for the time?
Select the correct sentence:
'Wie viel Uhr ist es?' is a correct and common alternative to 'Wie spät ist es?'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Entschuldigung, wie spät ist es? B: ___________
The question asks for the time, so the answer should provide the time.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You are at a formal gala and need the time.
In a formal setting, 'Verzeihen Sie' and an indirect question are most appropriate.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEntschuldigung, wie ______ ist es?
'Wie spät ist es?' is the standard idiomatic expression.
Select the correct sentence:
'Wie viel Uhr ist es?' is a correct and common alternative to 'Wie spät ist es?'.
A: Entschuldigung, wie spät ist es? B: ___________
The question asks for the time, so the answer should provide the time.
You are at a formal gala and need the time.
In a formal setting, 'Verzeihen Sie' and an indirect question are most appropriate.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsOnly with very close friends. To anyone else, it sounds abrupt and rude.
It's an idiomatic Germanic construction focusing on the day's progression. Using 'Zeit' sounds like a translation error.
They are equally common. 'Wie spät' is slightly more idiomatic, while 'Wie viel Uhr' is more literal.
Related Phrases
Wie viel Uhr ist es?
synonymWhat time is it?
Haben Sie die Uhrzeit?
similarDo you have the time?
Es ist kurz vor...
builds onIt is shortly before...
Pünktlich sein
specialized formTo be on time
