German Phrase
Um neun geht's los.
Meaning
This phrase is a common way to announce the starting time of an event, meeting, or activity. It utilizes the separable verb 'losgehen', which conveys the sense of 'starting up' or 'setting off'. The 's' in 'geht's' is a contraction of the pronoun 'es', making the expression sound more natural and conversational.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing schedules for parties, concerts, or departures with friends and colleagues. It is idiomatic and perfect for informal to semi-formal situations where you want to sound like a native speaker.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Umneungeht'slos
Um (Preposition)
In the context of time, 'um' is the standard preposition used to indicate a specific point on the clock.
Losgehen (Separable Verb)
The verb here is 'losgehen'. In a simple sentence, the prefix 'los' moves to the very end of the clause.
Contraction (geht's)
'Geht's' is the short form of 'geht es'. This contraction is extremely common in spoken German to improve flow.
🗨In Conversation
Wann fängt der Film an?
When does the movie start?
Um neun geht's los.
It starts at nine.
✕Common Mistakes
Am neun geht's los.
Use 'um' for specific clock times in German; 'am' is used for days and dates.
Um neun geht los.
Don't forget the 'es' (contracted as 's'); German requires a subject for the verb.
↔Alternatives
Es fängt um neun an.
It begins at nine.
Wir starten um neun.
We start at nine.
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking cultures, punctuality is highly valued. If someone says 'Um neun geht's los', the event will likely start exactly at 9:00, so arriving a few minutes early is recommended to be ready for the 'losgehen' moment.