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German Phrase

Wann hast du Zeit?

/van hast du ˈtsaɪt/
Meaning"When do you have time?"
💡

Meaning

Literally, “When do you have time?” It is the standard way to ask someone about their availability for a meeting, a phone call, or any activity.

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When to use

Use this phrase in informal contexts with friends, family, or colleagues you address with ‘du’. It works for both short‑term plans (e.g., coffee) and longer‑term arrangements (e.g., a weekend trip).

✦Grammar Breakdown

WannhastduZeit?

1

Wann (question word)

‘Wann’ asks about a point in time and is used at the beginning of a yes‑no or wh‑question.

2

hast (2nd person singular of haben)

‘hast’ is the present‑tense form of ‘haben’ for ‘du’; it means ‘you have’.

3

du (personal pronoun)

‘du’ is the informal singular ‘you’, placed after the verb in German questions.

4

Zeit (noun, feminine)

‘Zeit’ means ‘time’; it is used without an article in this idiomatic expression.

🗨In Conversation

A

Wann hast du Zeit?

When are you free?

Ich habe am Freitag ab 18 Uhr Zeit.

I’m free on Friday after 6 p.m.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Wann hast du die Zeit?

    ‘Zeit’ is used without an article in this idiom; adding ‘die’ makes it sound unnatural.

  • Du hast wann Zeit?

    In German questions the verb precedes the subject; the correct order is ‘Wann hast du…’.

  • Wann hast du Zeit?

    If you are speaking informally, use ‘du’ and ‘hast’; ‘Sie’ is only for formal contexts.

↔Alternatives

  • Zu welcher Zeit hast du Zeit?

    At what time are you free?

  • Wann bist du frei?

    When are you free?

  • Wann passt es dir?

    When works for you?

de

Cultural Tip

Germans value punctuality, so when you ask ‘Wann hast du Zeit?’ be prepared to suggest a concrete time quickly. In professional settings you would usually switch to the formal ‘Sie’ form: ‘Wann haben Sie Zeit?’ The informal version signals a friendly, relaxed relationship.