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German Phrase

Können wir's auf 14 Uhr verschieben?

/ˈkœnən viːɐ̯s aʊf ˈfɪːɐ̯t͡s ˈʔʊʁ fɛɐ̈ˈʃiːbən/
Meaning"Can we move it to 2 p.m.?"
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Meaning

The speaker is asking whether the planned meeting or appointment can be moved to 2 p.m. It is a polite request that assumes the other party has some flexibility.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you need to reschedule a meeting, a phone call, a class, or any appointment to a specific hour (14:00). It works in both informal and semi‑formal contexts, especially when speaking with colleagues or acquaintances.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Könnenwir'sauf14Uhrverschieben

1

Modalverb 'können'

Used to ask for permission or possibility; it conjugates with the subject (wir) and is followed by an infinitive.

2

Kontraktion 'wir's'

A colloquial contraction of 'wir es', common in spoken German to make sentences flow smoother.

3

Präposition 'auf' + Zeitangabe

When shifting an appointment, 'auf' + specific time (e.g., 'auf 14 Uhr') indicates the new time.

4

Infinitiv 'verschieben'

Means 'to postpone' or 'to shift'; used with a modal verb in infinitive form.

5

Zeitangabe 'Uhr'

The word 'Uhr' follows the hour number without a colon; '14 Uhr' means 2 p.m.

🗨In Conversation

A

Können wir's auf 14 Uhr verschieben?

Can we move it to 2 p.m.?

Ja, das passt mir gut. Ich notiere es gleich.

Yes, that works for me. I’ll note it right away.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Können wir's zu 14 Uhr verschieben?

    The preposition 'zu' is used for approximate times (e.g., 'zu 14 Uhr'), but when you are moving an appointment you need 'auf' to indicate the new fixed time.

  • Können wir es auf 14 Uhr verschieben?

    In spoken German the contraction 'wir's' is natural; using the full form in casual speech can sound stiff.

  • Können wir's auf 14:00 Uhr verschieben?

    German typically writes the hour without a colon when using 'Uhr'.

↔Alternatives

  • Können wir den Termin auf 14 Uhr verlegen?

    Can we shift the appointment to 2 p.m.?

  • Wäre es möglich, das Treffen auf 14 Uhr zu verschieben?

    Would it be possible to move the meeting to 2 p.m.?

  • Könnten wir das auf 14 Uhr legen?

    Could we set it for 2 p.m.?

de

Cultural Tip

Germans value punctuality, so proposing a new time should be done promptly and clearly. In a business setting, it’s common to confirm the change with a short acknowledgment (e.g., 'Einverstanden' or 'Passt'). The contraction 'wir's' is informal; in very formal emails you might prefer the full form 'Können wir es auf 14 Uhr verschieben?'.