PrettyFluent
This is just a lesson preview. Get the interactive lesson free on PrettyFluent
👤⏰

How to Say ‘I am late.’ in German

Ich bin zu spät.

ikh bin tsoo shpayt

[ikh bin tsoo shpayt]

Phrase Breakdown

Ich bin

ikh bin

I am

The verb 'sein' (to be) in the first person singular; used to describe who you are or your state.

Example

Ich bin müde.

I am tired.

Words in this phrase

Ich

[ikh]

I

The speaker refers to themself.

Example

Ich bin zu spät, weil der Zug verspätet ist.

I am late because the train is delayed.

bin

[bin]

am

A form of 'sein' used with 'ich'.

Example

In Ich bin zu spät. bedeutet bin 'am'.

In Ich bin zu spät., bin means 'am'.

Zu spät

tsoo shpayt

too late

Means that something happens after the right time or deadline; in this sentence it expresses lateness.

Example

Entschuldigung, ich bin zu spät.

Sorry, I am too late.

Words in this phrase

zu

[tsoo]

too

Used with 'spät' to mean 'too late'.

Example

In Ich bin zu spät. verstärkt zu das Wort spät.

In I am too late., zu intensifies the word spät.

spät

[shpayt]

late

Describes being behind schedule or not on time.

Example

In Ich bin zu spät. bedeutet spät 'late'.

In I am too late., spät means 'late'.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Custom Scenarios

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Download PrettyFluent on the App StoreGet Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Berlin bureaucracy requires real German. This app got me from zero to handling my Anmeldung appointment in three weeks. My coworkers couldn’t believe it.”

Emma L., 27, UX Researcher

“Relocated to Munich with my family. The everyday scenarios — grocery shopping, doctor visits, school meetings — are exactly what we needed to settle in.”

Marcus J., 40, Engineer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager