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How to Say ‘That's too late.’ in German

Das ist zu spät.

dahs ist tsoo shpeht

[dahs ist tsoo shpeht]

🇩🇪 In Germany: Germany has a strong tradition of quiet hours, Nachtruhe "night quiet", usually from 10 p.m. Noise after that is widely seen as unacceptable, so your complaint will be taken seriously.

Phrase Breakdown

Das ist

dahs ist

that is

A very common sentence opener. Link the two words smoothly: 'dass-ist'.

Example

Das ist gut.

That is good.

Words in this phrase

Das

[dahs]

that / it

Used to refer to a situation or thing being discussed.

Example

Das ist nicht die richtige Straße.

That is not the right street.

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.

zu spät.

tsoo shpeht

too late.

'Zu' means too and sounds like 'tsoo'. 'Sp' at the start of a word is said 'shp': 'shpet'.

Example

Ich bin zu spät.

I am too late.

Words in this phrase

[tsoo]

too

Used before an adjective to show excess, like 'too much' or 'too high.'

Example

Der Fahrpreis ist zu hoch.

The fare is too high.

spät

[shpeht]

late

After the expected or usual time.

Example

Es ist spät am Abend.

It is late in the evening.

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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