Basic time — Time

Heute

Today

Notice that 'Heute' is pronounced with a silent 'h'.

Germans are generally quite punctual, so being on time today is important.

Morgen

Tomorrow / morning

'Morgen' can mean both 'tomorrow' and 'morning', context is key!

Sunday mornings in Germany are typically very quiet with many shops closed.

Übermorgen

Day after tomorrow

The word 'über' means 'over' or 'about', so it's like 'over tomorrow'.

Planning ahead is typical in German culture.

Gestern

Yesterday

The 'g' in 'Gestern' is pronounced hard, like in 'go'.

Reflecting on yesterday is common during family dinners in Germany.

Stunde

Hour

Think of 'Stunde' as a block of time, it's a common term.

Hours are usually displayed on a 24-hour clock in Germany.

Minute

Minute

Pronounced almost like English 'minute', but with a 'mi-' like in 'mill'.

Trains and public transport run frequently with departures every few minutes.

Sekunde

Second

The 'S' is pronounced as 'Z', just like in 'zebra'.

Efficiency is key in Germany, every second can count in schedules.

Nacht

Night

The 'ch' in 'Nacht' is guttural, as in 'Bach'.

Cities like Berlin have lively nightlife with various cultural events.

Nachmittag

Afternoon

'Nachmittag' literally means 'after midday'.

Afternoon is a common time for enjoying coffee and cake, known as 'Kaffee und Kuchen'.