Questions & Answers about Es ist Viertel vor acht.
Why doesn't it say ein Viertel for 'a quarter'?
In English we say 'it is a quarter to eight', but German leaves out the 'a' (ein). You just say Viertel vor (quarter before). Notice that Viertel is capitalized because it is a noun.
Does vor mean 'to' or 'before'?
vor literally means 'before' or 'in front of'. So German literally says 'it is quarter before eight'. When telling time, this translates perfectly to the English 'to'.
Can I add the word Uhr at the end of this sentence?
It is much better not to. When you use conversational time words like Viertel (quarter), halb (half), vor (to), or nach (past), Germans naturally drop the word Uhr (o'clock).
Since it says acht, does this only mean 7:45 AM?
It can mean 7:45 AM or 7:45 PM. Conversational time phrases like Viertel vor are almost always used with the 12-hour clock. You will know if it is morning or evening from the context of the conversation.
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