German Phrase
Es ist fast Mitternacht.
Meaning
This phrase is used to indicate that the current time is approaching 12:00 AM. The word 'fast' acts as an adverb meaning 'almost' or 'nearly', and 'Mitternacht' is a compound noun meaning 'midnight'. It often carries a connotation that it is getting late and perhaps time to head home or go to sleep.
When to use
Use this phrase when you notice the time is very close to the end of the day. It is appropriate in social settings, such as parties, or when talking to family members at home.
✦Grammar Breakdown
EsistfastMitternacht
Es ist
This is the standard impersonal construction used for telling time, similar to 'It is' in English.
Fast
An adverb meaning 'almost' or 'nearly', used here to indicate the time is approaching a specific point.
Mitternacht
A feminine noun formed from 'Mitte' (middle) and 'Nacht' (night). As a noun, it must always be capitalized.
🗨In Conversation
Wie spät ist es jetzt?
How late is it now?
Es ist fast Mitternacht. Wir sollten gehen.
It is almost midnight. We should go.
✕Common Mistakes
Es ist fast am Mitternacht.
In German, you do not use a preposition like 'am' when stating the time with 'Mitternacht' in this context.
Es ist fast Mitternachtzeit.
Adding 'zeit' (time) to 'Mitternacht' is redundant and incorrect; 'Mitternacht' already implies the time.
↔Alternatives
Es ist gleich Mitternacht.
It is soon midnight.
Es ist kurz vor zwölf.
It is shortly before twelve.
Cultural Tip
In Germany, punctuality is highly regarded, but expressions like 'fast' or 'gleich' are commonly used for approximations. Note that 'Mitternacht' is always capitalized because it is a noun, a rule that applies to all nouns in the German language.