German Phrase
Wann fängt das an?
Meaning
Literally ‘When does that start?’, it is used to ask for the starting time of an event, a lesson, a movie, a meeting, or any activity that has a defined beginning.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to know the exact moment something begins. It works in informal conversation as well as in semi‑formal settings like asking a teacher, a colleague, or a friend about a schedule.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Wannfängtdasan?
Wann (question word)
‘Wann’ asks for a point in time. It is used for both clock time and dates.
Separable verb ‘anfangen’
‘anfangen’ splits in main clause: the stem ‘fängt’ stays in the verb position, the prefix ‘an’ moves to the end of the clause.
Pronoun ‘das’
‘das’ is a neuter demonstrative pronoun referring to an event, a class, a film, etc.
🗨In Conversation
Wann fängt das an?
When does it start?
Um 19 Uhr, also in einer halben Stunde.
At 7 p.m., so in half an hour.
✕Common Mistakes
Wann anfängt das an?
The verb ‘anfangen’ is conjugated as ‘fängt … an’ in a main clause; ‘anfängt’ is never used.
Wann fängt die an?
If you refer to a feminine noun, use ‘die’ instead of ‘das’. ‘Das’ only works for neuter nouns or abstract events.
Wann fängt das an?
Do not capitalize ‘wann’ unless it starts a sentence; it is not a noun.
↔Alternatives
Um wie viel Uhr fängt das an?
At what time does it start?
Ab wann beginnt das?
From when does it begin?
Wie spät ist der Anfang?
What time is the start?
Cultural Tip
Germans value punctuality, so asking ‘Wann fängt das an?’ is often followed by a precise answer (e.g., ‘Um 18:30 Uhr’). In formal contexts you might add ‘Entschuldigung, …’ or use the polite ‘Sie’ form: ‘Entschuldigen Sie, wann fängt das an?’