German Phrase
Wann arbeitest du?
Meaning
This phrase is a direct question used to inquire about someone's work schedule or specific working hours. It uses the informal 'du', making it suitable for friends, family, or close colleagues. The sentence structure follows the standard German question format where the interrogative word is followed by the conjugated verb.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to coordinate plans with a friend or find out when a colleague is available. It is most appropriate in casual or semi-formal environments where you already have a rapport with the person.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Wannarbeitestdu
Wann (Interrogative)
This is the question word for 'when'. It is used to ask about a specific point in time or a time frame.
Verb Conjugation (arbeitest)
The verb 'arbeiten' adds an extra 'e' before the '-st' ending (arbeit-e-st) to make it easier to pronounce when conjugated with 'du'.
Word Order
In a 'W-Question', the verb always takes the second position, followed immediately by the subject.
🗨In Conversation
Wann arbeitest du morgen?
When do you work tomorrow?
Ich arbeite von neun bis siebzehn Uhr.
I work from 9 AM to 5 PM.
✕Common Mistakes
Wann du arbeitest?
In German questions starting with a question word, the verb must come in the second position, before the subject.
Wann arbeitest Sie?
The verb ending '-est' is specifically for the informal 'du'. For the formal 'Sie', you must use 'arbeiten'.
↔Alternatives
Wann hast du Dienst?
When are you on duty?
Um wie viel Uhr arbeitest du?
At what time do you work?
Cultural Tip
Germans value punctuality and a clear distinction between work and personal life. Asking about someone's work schedule is common for social planning, but respect their 'Feierabend'—the sacred time after work when they are officially 'off the clock'.