Asking the Time and Whole Hours
To ask what time it is, use the phrase hoe laat (literally "how late"). To state the time on the hour, use het is (it is) followed by the number and uur (o'clock).
| What time is it now? | Hoe laat is het nu? |
| It is now one o'clock. | Het is nu één uur. |
Use hoe laat to ask about specific events, too.
| What time is the appointment? | Hoe laat is de afspraak? |
Half Hours: Looking Forward
The Dutch system for half hours looks forward to the next full hour.
The word half means "halfway to" the hour you name. Therefore, half drie means halfway to three: 2:30 (not 3:30!).
| It is half past two. | Het is half drie. |
| Is it half past four? | Is het half vijf? |
Saying "At" a Certain Time
To state that an event happens at a specific time, use the preposition om.
| We eat at six o'clock. | We eten om zes uur. |
| The bus leaves at half past eight. | De bus vertrekt om half negen. |
Durations and Saying "Until"
Use the preposition tot to mean "until". To describe how long an event takes, use the verb duren (to last / to take time).
| We work until half past five. | We werken tot half zes. |
| The films last three hours. | De films duren drie uur. |
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