Question words for time (quand, à quelle heure)

French uses two different expressions to ask when something is happening, depending on how precise an answer you need.

Asking for a general time: Quand

Use quand (when) to ask about a general time, a day, or a date.

When is your appointment with the doctor?
Quand est ton rendez-vous avec le médecin ?
When does the store close?
Quand ferme le magasin ?

Asking for an exact time: À quelle heure

If you want to know the exact clock time, use à quelle heure (at what time).

At what time does the match finish tonight?
À quelle heure finit le match ce soir ?
At what time does the bakery open on Monday?
À quelle heure ouvre la boulangerie le lundi ?

Schedules and Dates

To discuss upcoming dates on your emploi du temps (schedule), use the adjective prochain (next). It comes directly after the time period: la semaine prochaine (next week) or le mois prochain (next month).

What is the date of your appointment next month?
Quelle est la date de ton rendez-vous le mois prochain ?
We are looking for a date for next week.
Nous cherchons une date pour la semaine prochaine.

Forming time questions with "est-ce que"

You can also place quand or à quelle heure at the beginning of a question, followed by est-ce que.

At what time are you going to the doctor tomorrow?
À quelle heure est-ce que tu vas chez le médecin demain ?
When do you organize your schedule?
Quand est-ce que tu organises ton emploi du temps ?

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