German Phrase
Es ist Viertel vor acht.
Meaning
This is the standard way to express that the time is 7:45. The phrase literally translates to 'It is quarter before eight,' indicating that fifteen minutes remain until the next full hour.
When to use
Use this phrase in everyday situations to tell the time, such as when someone asks 'Wie spät ist es?' or when coordinating a meeting time. It is appropriate for both casual and professional spoken contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
EsistViertelvoracht
Viertel
The word for 'quarter' is a noun in German and is always capitalized when used as a specific time unit.
Vor vs. Nach
Use 'vor' for minutes before the hour and 'nach' for minutes after the hour.
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigung, wie spät ist es?
Excuse me, what time is it?
Es ist Viertel vor acht.
It is a quarter to eight.
✕Common Mistakes
Es ist Viertel zu acht.
In German, 'vor' (before) is used to indicate time remaining until the hour, not 'zu'.
Es ist Viertel nach acht.
Using 'nach' means it is 8:15 (a quarter after eight), which is the opposite of what you want to say.
↔Alternatives
Es ist sieben Uhr fünfundvierzig.
It is seven forty-five.
Es ist Dreiviertel acht.
It is three-quarters eight (Regional/Southern/Eastern).
Cultural Tip
While 'Viertel vor' is understood everywhere, some regions in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland use 'Dreiviertel acht' to mean 7:45. Additionally, official times like train schedules always use the 24-hour format, so 7:45 PM would be 'neunzehn Uhr fünfundvierzig'.