German Phrase
Wann fängt die Schule heute an?
Meaning
The sentence asks for the exact time the school day begins today. It is a straightforward, polite way to request the start time of classes.
When to use
Use this question when you are a student, a parent, or a visitor who needs to know the schedule for the current day – for example before leaving the house or when coordinating a ride.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WannfängtdieSchuleheutean
Wann (question word)
Used to ask 'when' and always placed at the beginning of a yes‑no or wh‑question.
fängt … an (separable verb anfangen)
‘anfangen’ splits in main clause: the finite verb ‘fängt’ stays in second position, the prefix ‘an’ moves to the end.
die Schule (definite article + noun)
‘die’ is the nominative feminine article for ‘Schule’; word order stays subject‑verb‑object.
heute (temporal adverb)
Adverbs of time like ‘heute’ normally appear after the subject but before the verb’s final part.
🗨In Conversation
Wann fängt die Schule heute an?
When does school start today?
Sie beginnt um acht Uhr dreißig.
It starts at 8:30.
✕Common Mistakes
Wann startet die Schule heute an?
‘Starten’ is used for machines or events; for school you need the separable verb ‘anfangen’.
Wann fängt die Schule heut an?
The adverb must be ‘heute’, not the shortened form.
Die Schule heute wann fängt an?
German main‑clause word order requires the finite verb in second position.
↔Alternatives
Um wie viel Uhr beginnt die Schule heute?
At what time does school begin today?
Wie spät fängt die Schule heute an?
How late does school start today?
Startet die Schule heute früh?
Does school start early today?
Cultural Tip
In Germany school start times differ by state and even by school type, but most primary schools begin between 7:30 am and 8:00 am. Punctuality is highly valued, so students are expected to be in class a few minutes before the announced start time.