die Zeit
die Zeit is the German way to say "the time".
This phrase refers to the general concept of time as a continuous progression of existence.
Which one should you use?
While die Zeit refers to the abstract concept of time, die Uhrzeit is the specific term used for the time shown on a clock.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Zeit is feminine. Because of this, its genitive singular form (meaning "of the time") is der Zeit. Additionally, when expressing that one is not busy, German uses the phrase Zeit haben without a definite article.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the masculine article der instead of the feminine die. Remember that Zeit is a feminine noun and requires die.
Did you know?
- The German word Zeit is a direct cognate of the English word 'tide'. While 'tide' now refers to the ocean, it originally meant 'time' in Old English.
- German has several specific words for different kinds of time, such as Feierabend, which refers to the specific time of day when work ends and leisure begins.
- The word Zeitgeist is a famous German loanword in English that combines Zeit with Geist (spirit) to describe the defining spirit or mood of a particular era.
Examples in context
- Hast du die Zeit?Have you got the time?This sentence is useful for asking if someone knows the current time using die Zeit.Tatoeba #11537644 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #241949 by sundown
- Tom vergaß die Zeit.Tom lost track of the time.This sentence demonstrates how to say someone lost track of the time using die Zeit.Tatoeba #7697306 by wolfgangth, translation #1164437 by CK
- Die Zeit ist gekommen.The time has come.This sentence shows the use of the phrase to indicate that a specific moment has arrived using die Zeit.Tatoeba #2036965 by Tamy, translation #1589920 by marcelostockle
- Wie spät ist es?What time is it?
- Es ist 15 Uhr.It is 3 p.m.
- Es ist 22 Uhr 30.It is 10:30 p.m.
- Es ist halb 2.It is half past 1.
- Es ist viertel vor 5.It is quarter to 5.
- 160 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are sitting in a park.
- SarahDie Zeit vergeht so schnell.Time passes so quickly.
- FelixDas stimmt, Sarah.That is true, Sarah.
- SarahWir sollten die Zeit genießen.We should enjoy the time.
- FelixJa, das machen wir.Yes, let's do that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Zeit, die, zeit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
