SpeeekDownload on the App Store

German Phrase

Ich brauche einen klaren Zeitplan, wann das erledigt ist.

/ɪç ˈbʁaʊ̯.xə ˈaɪ̯.nən ˈklaːʁən ˈt͡saɪ̯tˌplaːn ˈvaːn das ɛɐ̯ˈleːdɪçt ɪst/
Meaning"I need a clear schedule for when that is done."
💡

Meaning

The speaker is asking for a precise timetable that shows exactly when a certain task will be completed. The phrase combines a request (*ich brauche*) with a clear, concrete noun phrase (*einen klaren Zeitplan*) and an indirect question (*wann das erledigt ist*).

🎯

When to use

Use this sentence in professional or project‑management settings when you need a definite deadline, for example in meetings, emails to colleagues, or when coordinating with a service provider.

Grammar Breakdown

IchbraucheeinenklarenZeitplan,wanndaserledigtist.

1

brauchen (ich brauche)

The verb *brauchen* means “to need”. It is a regular verb and takes a direct object in the accusative case.

2

Accusative with adjective declension

In *einen klaren Zeitplan* the article *einen* and the adjective *klaren* both show accusative masculine singular endings.

3

wann vs. wenn

*wann* introduces an indirect question about time, while *wenn* is used for conditional clauses.

4

Passive construction with *sein*

*erledigt ist* is a passive perfect construction; the past participle *erledigt* combines with *sein* to describe a completed state.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ich brauche einen klaren Zeitplan, wann das erledigt ist.

I need a clear schedule for when that is done.

Kein Problem, ich schicke dir bis morgen einen detaillierten Plan.

No problem, I’ll send you a detailed plan by tomorrow.

B

Common Mistakes

  • Ich brauche einen klaren Zeitplan, wenn das erledigt ist.

    Use *wann* for indirect questions about time; *wenn* introduces conditional clauses.

  • Ich brauche einen klar Zeitplan, wann das erledigt ist.

    The adjective must agree with the masculine accusative noun; beginners sometimes forget the -en ending.

  • Ich brauche ein klaren Zeitplan, wann das erledigt ist.

    In very formal writing you might prefer *benötige*, but *brauche* is correct in everyday speech.

Alternatives

  • Ich benötige einen genauen Zeitplan, wann das erledigt wird.

    I need an exact schedule for when that will be completed.

  • Kannst du mir einen klaren Zeitplan geben, wann das fertig ist?

    Can you give me a clear schedule for when that will be finished?

  • Bitte erstelle einen Zeitplan, der zeigt, wann das erledigt sein wird.

    Please create a schedule that shows when that will be done.

de

Cultural Tip

German business communication values clarity and punctuality. Stating that you need a *klaren Zeitplan* signals professionalism and helps avoid misunderstandings. In formal contexts, you might prefer *benötige* over *brauche*, and you’ll often see the phrase in written requests rather than casual conversation.