🇩🇪 German phrases

How to Say "What time is it?" in German

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Wie spät ist es?
"What time is it?" in German · say it like vee shpaet ist es

The most natural way to say "What time is it?" in German is Wie spät ist es?. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Wie viel Uhr ist es?
Another common way to ask, slightly more formal.
Was ist die Uhrzeit?
More formal and less commonly used in casual conversation.

When to use it

You can use this phrase when you want to know the current time. It is appropriate in both casual and formal settings. It is a common question in everyday conversations.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "What time is it?" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in German

GermanEnglish
Entschuldigung, wie spät ist es?Excuse me, what time is it?
Common mistake
A common mistake is to say 'Was ist die Zeit?' which sounds unnatural in casual conversation.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Wie spät ist es?, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking German with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use this phrase in a formal setting?

Yes, it is suitable for both formal and informal situations.

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