German Phrase
Viertel vor sieben
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to express the time 6:45 in German. It literally translates to 'quarter before seven,' indicating that fifteen minutes remain until the hour of seven. It is the most common way to tell time in casual and semi-formal contexts throughout Germany.
When to use
Use this phrase in daily life when someone asks for the time or when you are coordinating a meeting time. It is suitable for conversations with friends, colleagues, or strangers.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Viertelvorsieben
Viertel
A neuter noun meaning 'quarter'. In time-telling, it is not capitalized when used as an adverbial part of the phrase but often capitalized as a noun.
Vor
A preposition meaning 'before' or 'to' in the context of time, indicating how many minutes are left until the next hour.
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigung, wie spät ist es?
Excuse me, what time is it?
Es ist Viertel vor sieben.
It is quarter to seven.
✕Common Mistakes
Viertel nach sieben
Using 'nach' (after) instead of 'vor' (before) changes the time to 7:15.
Fünfzehn vor sieben
While 'fünfzehn' means fifteen, Germans almost exclusively use 'Viertel' when speaking about quarter-hour increments.
↔Alternatives
Sechs Uhr fünfundvierzig
Six forty-five (formal/digital)
Dreiviertel sieben
Three-quarters seven (regional variation used in East/South Germany)
Cultural Tip
Time-telling varies by region in Germany. While 'Viertel vor' is understood everywhere, people in Berlin, Bavaria, and parts of Austria often say 'dreiviertel sieben'. If you are invited to a 'Viertel vor sieben' meeting, arrive exactly on time, as punctuality is highly valued.