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How to Say ‘When do you need it by?’ in German

Bis wann brauchst du es?

bis van BROWKST doo es

[bis van BROWKST doo es]

🇩🇪 In Germany: Asking for a deadline right away comes across as professional in German workplaces. Deadlines are taken literally, so only agree to one you can actually meet.

Phrase Breakdown

Bis wann

bis van

By when

Asks for a deadline. 'wann' starts with a 'v' sound.

Example

Bis wann bist du hier?

Until when are you here?

Words in this phrase

Bis

[bis]

by, until

Indicates a time limit.

Example

Bitte antworten Sie bis Freitag.

Please reply by Friday.

wann

[van]

when

Question word about time; 'bis wann' = by when.

Example

Wann beginnt das Event?

When does the event start?

brauchst du es?

BROWKST doo es

do you need it?

'brauchst' has a throaty 'ch' after 'au', like Scottish 'loch'.

Example

Brauchst du Hilfe?

Do you need help?

Words in this phrase

brauchst

[BROWKST]

need

Form of 'brauchen' used with 'du'.

Example

Brauchst du Hilfe?

Do you need help?

[doo]

the informal 'you' (du form)

As a noun, 'das Du' means the informal way of addressing someone.

Example

Wir sind jetzt per Du.

We now use first names / informal 'you'.

[es]

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

Example

Es ist ein schöner Tag.

It is a beautiful day.

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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