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German Phrase

Hast du kurz Zeit?

/has(t) du kʊʁts ˈtsaɪ̯t/
Meaning"Do you have a moment?"
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Meaning

Literally, ‘Do you have short time?’, this idiom is used to ask someone if they can spare a few minutes. It is informal and assumes a brief, low‑commitment interaction. The phrase can be softened with a smile or a polite tone to avoid sounding too demanding.

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When to use

Use it when you need a quick clarification, want to ask a short question, or need a brief help from a friend, colleague, or classmate. It works best in casual settings; in formal contexts you would switch to ‘Haben Sie kurz Zeit?’

✦Grammar Breakdown

HastdukurzZeit?

1

Hast (haben)

‘Hast’ is the 2nd‑person singular present of ‘haben’ (to have). It is used for informal ‘you’ (du).

2

du (personal pronoun)

‘du’ is the informal singular pronoun. In spoken German it usually follows the verb in yes‑no questions.

3

kurz (adverb)

‘kurz’ modifies the noun ‘Zeit’ and means ‘briefly’ or ‘for a short amount of time’. It is placed before the noun.

4

Zeit (noun, accusative)

‘Zeit’ is a feminine noun (die Zeit). With ‘haben’ it appears in the accusative case, but the article is omitted in the idiom ‘Hast du Zeit?’

🗨In Conversation

A

Hast du kurz Zeit?

Do you have a moment?

Ja, ich habe fünf Minuten. Was gibt’s?

Sure, I have five minutes. What’s up?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Hast du eine kurze Zeit?

    ‘Eine kurze Zeit’ sounds like ‘a short period of time’, not the idiomatic way to ask for a moment.

  • Hast du Zeit kurz?

    The adverb ‘kurz’ must stay before the noun; swapping the order sounds unnatural.

  • Haben Sie kurz Zeit?

    In formal situations you should use ‘Haben Sie kurz Zeit?’ – mixing informal ‘du’ with formal ‘Sie’ is a register error.

↔Alternatives

  • Hast du einen Moment?

    Do you have a moment?

  • Hast du kurz Zeit für mich?

    Do you have a moment for me?

  • Könntest du mir kurz Zeit geben?

    Could you spare a moment for me?

  • Haben Sie kurz Zeit?

    Do you have a moment? (formal)

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Cultural Tip

German speakers value efficiency, so asking ‘Hast du kurz Zeit?’ is seen as respectful because you acknowledge the other person’s schedule. In the north, people often add ‘ein bisschen’ (a little) for extra politeness, while in the south you might hear ‘Hättest du kurz Zeit?’ which sounds slightly more tentative. Always match the level of formality to your relationship – use ‘du’ with friends and peers, ‘Sie’ with strangers, teachers, or in business settings.