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German Phrase

Wann hat das Museum auf?

/van hat das muˈzeːʊm aʊf/
Meaning"When does the museum open?"
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Meaning

This phrase literally translates to "When has the museum open?" but idiomatically means "When does the museum open?" or "When is the museum open?". The verb "aufhaben" is a separable verb meaning "to have open" or "to be open", commonly used for businesses, shops, or institutions.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you want to inquire about the opening hours of a place like a museum, a shop, a restaurant, or any other public establishment. It's a direct and common way to ask this question in German.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Wannhatdas Museumauf

1

Wann (When)

This is an interrogative adverb used to ask about time. In a 'Wann' question, the conjugated verb immediately follows 'Wann'.

2

haben auf (to be open)

This is a separable verb construction. 'Haben' is conjugated and placed in the second position of the sentence, while 'auf' (the prefix) goes to the very end. It's commonly used for businesses being open.

3

das Museum (the museum)

'Museum' is a neuter noun, hence it takes the definite article 'das' in the nominative case. It functions as the subject of the sentence here.

🗨In Conversation

A

Entschuldigen Sie, wann hat das Museum auf?

Excuse me, when does the museum open?

Wir haben von 10 bis 18 Uhr geöffnet.

We are open from 10 AM to 6 PM.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Wann öffnet das Museum?

    While grammatically correct, "öffnen" (to open) is more often used for the act of opening, not for asking about the state of being open. "Aufhaben" is more natural for asking about opening hours.

  • Wann das Museum hat auf?

    In a 'Wann' question, the conjugated verb ('hat') must come immediately after the question word ('Wann'). The subject ('das Museum') follows the verb.

↔Alternatives

  • Wann öffnet das Museum?

    When does the museum open?

  • Wie sind die Öffnungszeiten des Museums?

    What are the opening hours of the museum?

  • Ist das Museum heute auf?

    Is the museum open today?

de

Cultural Tip

Germans tend to be quite direct in their communication, so asking "Wann hat das Museum auf?" is perfectly polite and common. Punctuality and clear information about opening hours are generally valued, so don't hesitate to ask if you're unsure. Many establishments will also have their opening hours clearly displayed on their doors or websites.