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How to Say ‘It'll be ready from twelve o'clock.’ in German

Ab zwölf Uhr ist es fertig.

ap tsvurlf oor ist es FER-tikh

[ap tsvurlf oor ist es FER-tikh]

💬 Usage Tip: When a time phrase comes first, the verb still has to be the second item, so es moves after it: ist es, not es ist.

Phrase Breakdown

Ab zwölf Uhr

ap tsvurlf oor

From twelve o'clock

'Ab' means 'from' when talking about a starting time. 'Zwölf' has the rounded 'ö' sound: say 'e' with rounded lips. 'Uhr' sounds like 'oor'.

Example

Ab zwölf Uhr gibt es Mittagessen.

Lunch is available from twelve o'clock.

Words in this phrase

[ap]

from, starting at

Preposition marking the starting point of a time.

Example

Ab Montag arbeite ich nachts.

From Monday I work nights.

zwölf

[tsvurlf]

twelve

The number 12; like eleven, it has its own special form.

Example

Es ist zwölf Uhr.

It is twelve o'clock.

Uhr

[oor]

o'clock

Used after a number to give the hour.

Example

In „Um zehn Uhr“ bedeutet „Uhr“ that it is a time on the clock.

In “At ten o’clock,” “Uhr” means it is a time on the clock.

ist es fertig.

ist es FER-tikh

it is ready / finished

The verb comes before 'es' because the sentence starts with a time phrase. 'Fertig' ends in a soft 'ich' sound: 'FER-tich'.

Example

Das Essen ist fertig.

The food is ready.

Words in this phrase

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.

[es]

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

Example

Es ist ein schöner Tag.

It is a beautiful day.

fertig

[FER-tikh]

done, finished

Adjective meaning complete or ready.

Example

Ich bin fertig mit der Arbeit.

I'm finished with the work.

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