German Phrase
Wann macht die Kirmes auf?
Meaning
Literally, “When does the fair open?” It asks for the opening time or start date of a local Kirmes, a traditional German fair with rides, food stalls, and games.
When to use
Use this question when you’re planning to visit a Kirmes and need to know the exact day or hour it begins. It works in casual conversation with friends, locals, or staff at a tourist information desk.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WannmachtdieKirmesauf?
Wann (question word)
Used to ask about time; placed at the beginning of a yes‑no or wh‑question.
macht (3rd person singular of machen)
Present tense of the verb ‘machen’; here it forms part of the separable verb ‘aufmachen’.
auf (separable prefix)
In a main clause the prefix moves to the end of the sentence, creating ‘macht … auf’.
die Kirmes (feminine noun)
‘Kirmes’ is a regional word for a fair or carnival; it takes the definite article ‘die’ in the nominative.
🗨In Conversation
Wann macht die Kirmes auf?
When does the fair open?
Sie öffnet am Samstag um 10 Uhr.
It opens on Saturday at 10 a.m.
✕Common Mistakes
Wann macht die Kirmes?
Missing the separable prefix ‘auf’; the verb ‘machen’ alone does not convey ‘open’.
Wann macht der Kirmes auf?
‘Kirmes’ is feminine, so the correct article is ‘die’ in the nominative.
Wann öffnet die Kirmes?
While grammatically correct, native speakers more often use the separable verb ‘aufmachen’ in this context.
↔Alternatives
Ab wann beginnt die Kirmes?
From when does the fair begin?
Wann startet die Kirmes?
When does the fair start?
Wann fängt die Kirmes an?
When does the fair start?
Cultural Tip
‘Kirmes’ is most common in southern Germany, Austria and parts of Switzerland. In northern Germany you’ll more often hear ‘Volksfest’ or ‘Messe’. The phrase is informal but perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation; for a very formal setting you could say “Zu welcher Uhrzeit eröffnet die Kirmes?”.