Word Frequency (Worthäufigkeit) #50
Word (Wort)

wann

Translation (Übersetzung) when
Pronunciation (Aussprache) [van]
A1
Adverb
Beginner
Neutral
Tags (Tags)
adverb time question word A1 basic vocabulary grammar_essential
"Wann" is an interrogative adverb used to ask about time. It is one of the most fundamental question words in German. Unlike "wenn" (if/when), which is a subordinating conjunction, "wann" always introduces a direct question or an indirect question clause. It is never used to express conditions. In spoken German, it is often shortened in casual speech.

wann - German Adverb - wann Meaning - wann Translation - wann Adverb Examples

wann is a German Adverb

Learn wann meaning, translation, pronunciation, and usage examples. wann is classified as an Adverb in German grammar.

wann Examples (Beispiele) in English

wann examples with English translations. See how to use wann in sentences. wann example sentences in English below.

Wann fängt der Film an?
When does the movie start?
Asking for a specific start time.
Ich frage mich, wann sie ankommt.
I wonder when she arrives.
Indirect question in a subordinate clause.
Wann warst du das letzte Mal im Kino?
When was the last time you were at the cinema?
Asking about a past time frame.
Sag mir, wann du fertig bist.
Tell me when you are ready.
Requesting information about time in an imperative sentence.
Wann in der Woche hast du Zeit?
When during the week do you have time?
Asking for a time within a broader period.

wann — common mistakes (English)

Learner-focused corrections for wann — typical errors vs. correct German, with short explanations.

  • Wann du kommst, ruf mich an.
    Wenn du kommst, ruf mich an.
    "Wann" cannot be used as a subordinating conjunction to mean "if" or "whenever". Use "wenn" for conditional or temporal clauses.
  • Ich weiß nicht, wenn er kommt.
    Ich weiß nicht, wann er kommt.
    In indirect questions, "wann" is used, not "wenn". "Wenn" is for conditions.
  • Wann du Zeit hast?
    Hast du Zeit, wann? or Wann hast du Zeit?
    "Wann" typically initiates the question in standard word order (Verb second). Placing it at the end is non-standard and colloquial.

wann Word Family - wann Related Words - wann Family Members

wann Word Family (Wortfamilie)

wann word family includes related words, derivatives, and word forms. Learn wann family members with meanings, translations, and usage. Explore wann related words and expand your German vocabulary.

Related Interrogative Adverb (Verwandtes Frageadverb)
wo
Meaning: where
Example: Wo und wann treffen wir uns?
Adverb
warum
Meaning: why
Example: Warum und wann hast du das gemacht?
Adverb
wie
Meaning: how
Example: Wie und wann soll ich anfangen?
Adverb
Common Confusion (Häufige Verwechslung)
wenn
Meaning: if/when
Example: Wenn es regnet, bleiben wir zu Hause. (Not wann)
Conjunction

wann Usage - wann Collocations - wann Idioms - wann Synonyms - wann Antonyms

wann Usage & Related Words (Verwendung & verwandte Wörter)

Learn how to use wann in context. Discover wann collocations (common word combinations), idioms, synonyms, and antonyms. Master wann usage patterns and expand your German vocabulary with related words.

wann Collocations (Kollokationen)

wann collocations are common word combinations that native speakers use. Learn wann word combinations and how to use wann with other words naturally.

Wann beginnt es?
When does it start?
High frequency
Wann kommst du?
When are you coming?
High frequency
Wann ist das passiert?
When did that happen?
High frequency
Wann immer du willst
Whenever you want
Medium frequency
Wann genau?
When exactly?
Medium frequency
Wann in aller Welt?
When in the world?
Low frequency
Wann war das?
When was that?
High frequency
Wann geht der Zug?
When does the train leave?
High frequency

wann Idioms (Redewendungen)

wann idioms and expressions. Learn German idioms containing wann with meanings and explanations. Master wann expressions used in everyday German.

Wann, wenn nicht jetzt?
When, if not now?
An expression urging immediate action, emphasizing that the present moment is the best or only opportunity.
Wann hat man schon mal die Gelegenheit?
When do you ever get the chance?
Used to justify seizing a rare opportunity.
Wann wird's mal wieder?
When will it be again?
A colloquial phrase expressing longing for a past event or situation to recur.

wann Synonyms (Synonyme)

wann synonyms - words with similar meanings. Find alternative words for wann and expand your German vocabulary. Learn wann similar words and their usage.

zu welcher Zeit
Meaning: at what time
High similarity
wann genau
Meaning: when exactly
High similarity
wann immer
Meaning: whenever
Medium similarity
in welchem Moment
Meaning: in which moment
Low similarity

wann Antonyms (Antonyme)

wann antonyms - opposite words. Learn words with opposite meanings to wann. Discover wann opposite words and expand your German vocabulary.

niemals
Meaning: never
immer
Meaning: always
jetzt
Meaning: now

wann Semantically Related Words - wann Contextually Related Words - wann Thematically Related Words

wann Semantically Related Words (Semantisch verwandte Wörter)

wann semantically related words - words that are conceptually or thematically related to wann. Explore wann related vocabulary and discover words in the same semantic field. Learn wann contextually related words to expand your German vocabulary.

Zeit Uhrzeit Datum Moment Jahreszeit Termin Zeitpunkt Ära

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