die Uhr
clock / watch
An instrument that shows the time, for example a wristwatch or a wall clock.
EXAMPLE
Meine Uhr geht fünf Minuten vor.
My watch is five minutes fast.
die Uhr
clock / watch
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Meanings
Uhr
time marker
Used to indicate an exact time. It is always used together with a number.
EXAMPLE
Der Zug fährt um 14:30 Uhr ab.
The train departs at 2:30 p.m.
Usage tips
Two meanings
The word 'Uhr' (clock/watch) has two main functions. With an article ('die Uhr'), it refers to the device that measures time. Without an article, it is used as a unit for clock time and always comes after a number.
EXAMPLE
Ich brauche eine neue Uhr, meine alte ist kaputt.
I need a new watch; my old one is broken.
Fixed preposition
To indicate an exact point in time, the preposition 'um' (at) is almost always used. The fixed structure is: 'um + number + Uhr'.
EXAMPLE
Der Film beginnt pünktlich um 20:15 Uhr.
The film begins punctually at 8:15 p.m.
Asking for the time
There are two important questions to distinguish. 'Wie viel Uhr ist es?' asks for the current time. 'Um wie viel Uhr?' asks for the time of an event.
EXAMPLE
Entschuldigung, wie viel Uhr ist es?
Excuse me, what time is it?
Typical verbs
When 'die Uhr' (the clock/watch) refers to the device, it is often combined with certain verbs. Typical examples are: 'eine Uhr tragen' (to wear a watch), 'die Uhr stellen' (to set the time), or, when it is not working correctly: 'die Uhr geht vor/nach' (the clock/watch is fast/slow).
EXAMPLE
Meine Uhr geht jeden Tag zwei Minuten nach.
My watch is two minutes slow every day.
In real life
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