⏰❓

How to Say ‘When exactly was that?’ in German

Wann war das genau?

van vah dahs geh-NOW

[van vah dahs geh-NOW]

🇩🇪 In Germany: Staff often ask for exact times so they can trace the noise and talk to the right guests. Giving clear times makes your complaint easy to act on.

Phrase Breakdown

Wann war das

van vah dahs

when was that

'Wann' asks about time. 'W' sounds like English 'v': 'vann var dass'.

Example

Wann war das Konzert?

When was the concert?

Words in this phrase

Wann

[van]

when

Used to ask about time, date, or deadline.

Example

Wann genau muss ich absagen?

When exactly do I have to cancel?

war

[vah]

was

Past tense of 'is', used to describe something that happened or existed in the past.

Example

Er war ein großer Krieger.

He was a great warrior.

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.

genau?

geh-NOW

exactly?

Stress the second syllable: ge-NAU. 'Au' sounds like 'ow' in 'now'.

Example

Wo genau?

Where exactly?

Words in this phrase

genau

[geh-NOW]

exactly

Asks for or gives precise details.

Example

Wo genau wohnst du?

Where exactly do you live?

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.

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 feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get 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

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer