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German Phrase

Bist du am Mittwochnachmittag frei?

/bɪst duː am ˈmɪtvɔxˌnaːxmɪtaːk fraɪ/
Meaning"Are you free on Wednesday afternoon?"
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Meaning

This phrase is a direct and common way to ask someone if they are available or have no commitments on a specific day and time. It literally translates to 'Are you on Wednesday afternoon free?' and is used to inquire about someone's schedule.

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When to use

You would use this phrase when you want to make plans with a friend, colleague, or acquaintance for a specific time. It's perfect for inviting someone to an event, scheduling a meeting, or simply checking their availability for a casual get-together.

✦Grammar Breakdown

BistduamMittwochnachmittagfrei?

1

Sein (bist)

'Bist' is the second-person singular conjugation of the verb 'sein' (to be). It's used with 'du' (you, informal singular).

2

am

'Am' is a contraction of 'an dem' (on the). It's commonly used with days of the week and parts of the day to indicate 'on' or 'in the'.

3

Mittwochnachmittag

This is a compound noun combining 'Mittwoch' (Wednesday) and 'Nachmittag' (afternoon). German frequently forms new words by combining existing ones.

4

frei

'Frei' is an adjective meaning 'free' or 'available'. It's used here to inquire about someone's time availability, not financial cost.

🗨In Conversation

A

Hallo Max, bist du am Mittwochnachmittag frei?

Hi Max, are you free on Wednesday afternoon?

Ja, ich bin frei. Warum fragst du?

Yes, I am free. Why do you ask?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Bist du am Mittwochnachmittag kostenlos?

    While 'kostenlos' means 'free,' it refers to something being without cost, not available time. Use 'frei' for availability.

  • Bist du in Mittwochnachmittag frei?

    For specific days and parts of the day, the preposition 'am' (an + dem) is used, not 'in'.

↔Alternatives

  • Hast du am Mittwochnachmittag Zeit?

    Do you have time on Wednesday afternoon?

  • Passt es dir am Mittwochnachmittag?

    Does Wednesday afternoon suit you?

  • Wärst du am Mittwochnachmittag verfügbar?

    Would you be available on Wednesday afternoon?

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Cultural Tip

Germans tend to be quite direct in their communication, especially when it comes to scheduling. Asking 'Bist du frei?' is perfectly normal and not considered rude. Punctuality is highly valued, so if you make plans, be sure to stick to them. When addressing someone you know well or are on informal terms with, 'du' is appropriate. For more formal situations, you would use 'Sind Sie am Mittwochnachmittag frei?'.