Zeit
[t͡saɪ̯t]feminine
The English word "time" is translated into German as Zeit.
Zeit is a noun used to refer to the measurement of a quantity of time. To express that you are not busy or have availability, you can use the phrase Zeit haben (to have time). If you wish to describe things that are temporal or relate to a specific period, you can use the adjective zeitlich. When asking for the time, you might use Wie spät ist es? (What time is it?). For choosing a time, related verbs include Zeitpunkt wählen, zeitlich planen and terminieren. For measuring time, you can use Zeit nehmen, Zeit stoppen or Zeit messen.
Meaning: measurement of a quantity of time (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Zeit is a feminine noun. Its plural form is Zeiten, which can mean "times" or "eras". Because it is feminine, its definite article in the dative case is der (e.g., der Zeit).
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes mistakenly use the masculine article der for Zeit. However, it is always feminine, so you should use die Zeit.
Did you know?
- The German word Zeit is a close linguistic relative of the English word 'tide'. While 'tide' now refers to the ocean, it originally meant 'time' in Old English.
- The word Zeitraum is commonly used to describe a 'period' or 'duration', literally combining 'time' and 'room'.
- In German, the phrase Zeit verschwenden (to waste time) is often used with the word Zeitdiebe (time thieves) to describe distractions that steal your productivity.
Examples in context
- Die Zeit ist um.Time is up.This sentence shows how to say time is up using Zeit.Tatoeba #2435909 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #31334 by CK
- Hast du die Zeit?Have you got the time?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has the time using Zeit.Tatoeba #11537644 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #241949 by sundown
- Eure Zeit ist um.Your time is over.This sentence shows how to say your time is over using Zeit.Tatoeba #13664138 by Naina, translation #1085076 by AsliAbbasi
- 4277 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are meeting at a cafe.
- LauraHast du heute Zeit für einen Kaffee?Do you have time for a coffee today?
- JulianJa, ich habe ab jetzt Zeit.Yes, I have time starting now.
- LauraDas freut mich, Julian.I am happy to hear that, Julian.
- JulianLass uns bestellen!Let's order!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “time” translations and entries Zeit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Zeit, zeit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
