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German Phrase

Wann gibt's Frühstück?

/van ˈɡɪpt͡s ˈfʁyːʃtʏk/
Meaning"When is breakfast?"
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Meaning

A casual way to ask at what time breakfast will be served or when you can have breakfast. It’s the spoken equivalent of the more formal 'Wann gibt es Frühstück?'.

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When to use

Use this phrase in informal settings – at a hotel breakfast buffet, in a hostel, when staying with friends, or when you’re simply curious about the morning schedule. It’s perfect for spoken German and sounds natural in everyday conversation.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Wanngibt'sFrühstück?

1

Wann

Interrogative adverb meaning 'when', placed at the beginning of a yes‑no or wh‑question.

2

gibt's

Contraction of 'gibt es' (there is/are). In spoken German the 'es' is often dropped and merged with the verb.

3

Frühstück

Neuter noun meaning 'breakfast'. In the accusative it stays unchanged.

4

Verb position

In a main clause with a question word, the finite verb ('gibt') moves to second position, followed by the subject (here the impersonal 'es' is omitted).

🗨In Conversation

A

Wann gibt's Frühstück?

When is breakfast?

Heute gibt's Frühstück von 7 bis 10 Uhr im Speisesaal.

Today breakfast is served from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the dining hall.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Wann gibt Frühstück?

    The verb needs the impersonal 'es' (even if contracted). Saying just 'gibt Frühstück' sounds ungrammatical.

  • Wann gibt's Frühstücken?

    ‘Frühstücken’ is a verb meaning ‘to have breakfast’, not a noun. Use the noun ‘Frühstück’ in this question.

  • Wann ist Frühstück?

    ‘Ist’ would ask if breakfast exists, not when it is served. Use ‘gibt’s’ or ‘wird serviert’ for timing.

↔Alternatives

  • Um wie viel Uhr gibt es Frühstück?

    At what time is breakfast?

  • Wann wird das Frühstück serviert?

    When will breakfast be served?

  • Ab wann gibt es Frühstück?

    From when is breakfast available?

de

Cultural Tip

In Germany breakfast (Frühstück) is usually eaten between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., but hotels and hostels often serve a buffet that stays open until 10 a.m. Typical items include bread rolls, butter, jam, cold cuts, cheese, boiled eggs, muesli, fruit, coffee, and tea. Asking "Wann gibt's Frühstück?" is a friendly way to check the schedule without sounding too formal.