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How to Say ‘It is quarter to five.’ in German

Es ist Viertel vor fünf.

es ist FEER-tel for fuenf

[es ist FEER-tel for fuenf]

🇩🇪 In Germany: Some regions say drei viertel fünf for 4:45. If you hear it, it means the same as Viertel vor fünf.

Phrase Breakdown

Es ist

es ist

It is

The standard opener for telling the time. Link the two words smoothly: 'es-ist'. The 's' is voiceless, like in 'yes'.

Example

Es ist spät.

It is late.

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 vor fünf.

FEER-tel for fuenf

quarter to five

'Viertel' starts with an 'f' sound: 'FEER-tel'. 'vor' means 'before/to'. 'fünf' has the rounded 'ü': say 'ee' with your lips rounded.

Example

Wir treffen uns um Viertel vor fünf.

We'll meet at quarter to five.

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.

vor

[for]

to / before

In telling time, shows minutes remaining before the hour.

Example

Es ist zehn vor acht.

It is ten to eight.

fünf

[fuenf]

five

The number 5.

Example

Fünf Jahre sind eine lange Zeit.

Five years are a long time.

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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