die Stunde
hour
A unit of time that lasts 60 minutes.
EXAMPLE
Ich warte schon seit über einer Stunde auf den Bus.
I've been waiting for the bus for over an hour.
die Stunde
hour
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Meanings
die Stunde
class / lesson
A teaching unit at school or in a course, usually 45 or 90 minutes long.
EXAMPLE
In der nächsten Stunde schreiben wir einen Test in Geschichte.
In the next class, we are writing a history test.
die Stunde
hour / moment
A special, often fateful or important moment in life or in history.
EXAMPLE
Das war die dunkelste Stunde seines Lebens.
That was the darkest hour of his life.
zur Stunde
at present
A formal expression for 'now' or 'at this moment'.
EXAMPLE
Zur Stunde können wir noch keine genauen Angaben machen.
At present, we cannot yet provide any exact information.
Usage tips
Time expressions
'Stunde' (hour) is used with various prepositions for time expressions. 'In einer Stunde' describes a point in the future, 'vor einer Stunde' a point in the past, and 'seit einer Stunde' a duration that continues up to now.
EXAMPLE
Der Zug fährt in einer Stunde ab.
The train leaves in an hour.
Context clue
In the context of school, university, or courses, 'Stunde' almost always means 'Unterrichtseinheit' (class/lesson) and not 60 minutes. Signal words are subjects like 'Mathe' (math), 'Deutsch' (German), or words like 'Lehrer' (teacher) and 'Unterricht' (instruction/class).
EXAMPLE
In der ersten Stunde haben wir heute Englisch.
In the first class today, we have English.
Register and style
In this meaning, 'Stunde' is used in an elevated, often literary or emotional style to describe a decisive moment. Typical expressions are 'die Stunde der Wahrheit' (the moment of truth) or 'in der Stunde der Not' (in the hour of need).
EXAMPLE
In seiner schwersten Stunde waren seine Freunde für ihn da.
In his most difficult hour, his friends were there for him.
Formal usage
The expression 'zur Stunde' (at present) is a very formal way to say 'now' or 'currently'. You find it mainly in news reports, official announcements, or speeches.
EXAMPLE
Der Präsident ist zur Stunde nicht erreichbar.
The president is not reachable at present.
Compare with
Stunde vs Moment
moment
Stunde and Moment can both refer to an important point in time. Stunde sounds ceremonial and presents the event as a significant phase in history. Moment focuses more on a single, brief, or precisely defined instant.
Stunde
Die Öffnung der Grenze war eine historische Stunde für das Land.
The opening of the border was a historic moment for the country.
Moment
Der Moment der Grenzöffnung wurde im Fernsehen übertragen.
The moment the border opened was broadcast on television.
In real life
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