German Phrase
Wann hat das Schwimmbad auf?
Meaning
The sentence asks for the opening time of a swimming pool. It is a practical question you would use when you want to know when you can start swimming or plan a visit.
When to use
Use this phrase at the reception desk of a public pool, when calling the pool’s information line, or when asking a local friend about the pool’s hours. It works in both casual and semi‑formal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WannhatdasSchwimmbadauf?
Wann (question word)
‘Wann’ asks for a point in time. It always occupies the first position in a yes‑no or information question.
hat (3rd person singular of haben)
‘hat’ is the present tense of ‘haben’ used as the auxiliary verb for the separable verb ‘aufhaben’ (to be open).
das Schwimmbad (neuter noun)
‘Schwimmbad’ is neuter; the definite article is ‘das’. The noun is a compound of ‘schwimmen’ (to swim) + ‘Bad’ (bath).
auf (separable prefix)
‘auf’ is the prefix of the separable verb ‘aufhaben’. In main clauses the prefix moves to the end of the sentence: ‘hat … auf’.
Verb‑second (V2) word order
German main clauses place the finite verb in second position. After ‘Wann’ the verb ‘hat’ follows, then the subject and finally the separable prefix.
🗨In Conversation
Wann hat das Schwimmbad auf?
When does the swimming pool open?
Es öffnet um acht Uhr und schließt um zwanzig Uhr.
It opens at eight o’clock and closes at eight p.m.
✕Common Mistakes
Wann ist das Schwimmbad auf?
‘sein’ is not used with the separable prefix ‘auf’ for opening times; you need ‘haben’ → ‘hat … auf’.
Wann hat auf das Schwimmbad?
The separable prefix must stay at the end of the clause, not before the noun.
Wann hat das Schwimmbad geöffnet?
‘geöffnet’ is a past participle and needs a different construction (e.g., ‘ist geöffnet’). It’s not wrong per se, but it changes the nuance.
↔Alternatives
Um wie viel Uhr öffnet das Schwimmbad?
At what time does the swimming pool open?
Wann ist das Schwimmbad geöffnet?
When is the swimming pool open?
Ab wann kann man im Schwimmbad schwimmen?
From when can one swim in the pool?
Cultural Tip
In Germany many public Schwimmbäder have different opening hours in summer and winter, and some close on public holidays. It’s common to ask the staff for the exact schedule, especially if you plan a visit during the shoulder season. Also note that ‘auf’ as a separable prefix appears in many venue‑related verbs (z. B. ‘aufmachen’, ‘aufgehen’).