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How to Say ‘It is quarter past four.’ in German

Es ist Viertel nach vier.

es ist FEER-tel nahkh feer

[es ist FEER-tel nahkh feer]

🇩🇪 In Germany: In parts of eastern and southern Germany you may hear viertel fünf for 4:15, counting toward the next hour like halb. Viertel nach vier is understood everywhere.

Phrase Breakdown

Es ist

es ist

It is

Begins the time statement.

Example

Es ist Mittag.

It is noon.

Words in this phrase

[es]

A neutral pronoun used to refer to a thing previously mentioned.

Example

Es ist ein schöner Tag.

It is a beautiful day.

ist

[ist]

A form of the verb 'sein' used for singular subjects.

Example

Für viele Bewerber Ist ein gutes Teamklima entscheidend.

For many applicants, a good team climate is crucial.

Viertel nach vier.

FEER-tel nahkh feer

quarter past four

4:15. Say it as one smooth group: 'FEER-tel nakh feer'.

Example

Der Bus kommt um Viertel nach vier.

The bus comes at quarter past four.

Words in this phrase

Viertel

[FEER-tel]

quarter

One fourth of something; neuter noun.

Example

Ich esse ein Viertel der Pizza.

I eat a quarter of the pizza.

nach

[nahkh]

after

Indicates a time later than something else.

Example

Nach dem Interview gibt es manchmal ein informelles Treffen.

After the interview, there is sometimes an informal meeting.

vier

[feer]

four

The number four.

Example

Ist für vier Personen. genug Platz vorhanden?

Is there enough space for four people?

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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