Meaning
Asking about a point in time.
Cultural Background
Germans value punctuality. If you ask 'Wann?' and someone says 'um acht', they mean exactly 8:00, not 8:15. In Switzerland, time precision is even more pronounced. 'Wann' questions often result in answers down to the minute. In modern German texting, 'Wann?' is often sent as a single-word message to ask for a status update on a meeting.
The 'Question' Rule
If you can't put a question mark at the end of the thought, don't use 'wann'.
Avoid 'If' confusion
English speakers often say 'I don't know if...' using 'wann'. Use 'ob' for 'if/whether' and 'wann' for 'at what time'.
Meaning
Asking about a point in time.
The 'Question' Rule
If you can't put a question mark at the end of the thought, don't use 'wann'.
Avoid 'If' confusion
English speakers often say 'I don't know if...' using 'wann'. Use 'ob' for 'if/whether' and 'wann' for 'at what time'.
Impatience
Adding 'denn' (Wann denn?) can sound impatient. Use it carefully!
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word: Wann or Wenn?
____ beginnt der Unterricht?
This is a direct question about time, so 'Wann' is required.
Complete the indirect question.
Ich frage mich, wann der Bus ____ (kommen).
In an indirect question, the verb 'kommt' must go to the end.
Match the question to the answer.
1. Wann ist die Party? 2. Seit wann bist du hier? 3. Bis wann arbeitest du?
Each preposition (seit, bis) requires a corresponding time frame in the answer.
Fill in the missing word.
A: ____ hast du Geburtstag? B: Im August.
Asking about a birthday requires the time interrogative 'Wann'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common Wann Combinations
Prepositions
- • Seit wann?
- • Bis wann?
- • Ab wann?
Adverbs
- • Wann genau?
- • Wann sonst?
- • Wann anders
Practice Bank
4 exercises____ beginnt der Unterricht?
This is a direct question about time, so 'Wann' is required.
Ich frage mich, wann der Bus ____ (kommen).
In an indirect question, the verb 'kommt' must go to the end.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each preposition (seit, bis) requires a corresponding time frame in the answer.
A: ____ hast du Geburtstag? B: Im August.
Asking about a birthday requires the time interrogative 'Wann'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsIn direct questions, yes. In indirect questions, it starts the subordinate clause.
Yes! 'Wann war das?' is perfectly correct for asking about a past date.
'Wann' is general (could be a day or year), while 'um wie viel Uhr' specifically asks for the clock time.
Rarely, in the phrase 'das Wann und Wie' (the when and how).
Only in indirect questions, e.g., 'Ich weiß nicht, wann...'
It is neutral. It is used in both formal and informal settings.
Related Phrases
Seit wann?
specialized formSince when?
Bis wann?
specialized formUntil when?
Wann anders
similarSome other time
Irgendwann
builds onSometime / Someday
