German Phrase
Ist's Zeit für 'ne Pause?
Meaning
Literally, "Is it time for a break?" The speaker is asking whether a short rest or pause should be taken now, often in a relaxed or informal setting.
When to use
Use this phrase with friends, classmates, or coworkers when the atmosphere is casual. It’s perfect for a coffee break at work, a study session, or any informal moment when you want to suggest pausing the activity.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ist'sZeitfür'nePause?
Ist's (ist es)
A colloquial contraction of "ist es"; the apostrophe replaces the omitted "e" in "es".
'ne (eine)
Informal spoken form of the indefinite article "eine"; used mainly in casual conversation.
Zeit (noun)
A feminine noun meaning "time"; always capitalized in German.
für + accusative
The preposition "für" always takes the accusative case; here it governs "Pause".
Pause (noun)
A feminine noun meaning "break"; also capitalized.
🗨In Conversation
Ist's Zeit für 'ne Pause?
Is it time for a break?
Ja, lass uns kurz entspannen.
Yes, let's relax for a bit.
✕Common Mistakes
Ist Zeit für ne Pause
Missing the apostrophe in "Ist's" and the article "'ne"; the correct contraction is "Ist's" and "'ne".
für 'ne pause
Nouns must be capitalized in German; "Pause" should start with a capital P.
Ist's Zeit für eine Pause?
While grammatically correct, using the full article "eine" sounds more formal; the phrase loses its colloquial flavor.
↔Alternatives
Ist es Zeit für eine Pause?
Is it time for a break?
Wollen wir eine Pause machen?
Do we want to take a break?
Sollen wir kurz Pause machen?
Should we have a short break?
Cultural Tip
In German workplaces and schools, scheduled "Pause" or "Kaffeepause" is common and often lasts 10–15 minutes. Using the informal contraction "'ne" signals familiarity, so reserve it for peers rather than supervisors or strangers. Also, remember that nouns are always capitalized in German, even in casual speech.