Die Sprechstunde beginnt um neun Uhr.

the clock

Breakdown of Die Sprechstunde beginnt um neun Uhr.

• beginnen: to begin
• um: at
• neun: nine

Questions & Answers about Die Sprechstunde beginnt um neun Uhr.

What does the word Sprechstunde mean, exactly?

It means a professional’s consultation hours—times when you can come see a doctor, professor, counselor, etc. For academics it’s often office hours; for medical practices it’s the times they see patients (sometimes without appointment).

Why is it die Sprechstunde? What gender is it?

It’s feminine. In German compounds, the last element determines gender; Stunde (hour) is feminine, so die Sprechstunde. Plural: die Sprechstunden.

Why is Sprechstunde capitalized?

All German nouns are capitalized. Sprechstunde is a single compound noun (from Sprech- + Stunde), so it’s capitalized.

Why is it beginnt and not begin?

Beginnt is the 3rd-person singular present of beginnen. The subject is die Sprechstunde (she/it), so you use the -t ending: sie beginnt. Note: the noun der Beginn (the beginning) is a different word.

Can I say fängt an instead of beginnt?

Yes. Die Sprechstunde fängt um neun Uhr an is fine and a bit more colloquial. Beginnen is slightly more formal; both are common.