15

What is the difference between um and am when used with times in German?

e.g.

um 8 Uhr

vs

am 8 Uhr

2 Answers 2

24

Am 8 Uhr is wrong, um 8 Uhr is correct. The prepositions in use with times of the day are

  • um = exactly that time
  • gegen = approximately that time
  • vor = before/in advance
  • nach = after

The preposition am is used instead of um for dates e.g. am 9. April.

Note that um […] herum may also be used for expressing a loose time approximation (e.g. “Er wollte um den 10.7. herum mal vorbeikommen”).

Besides, um can also be used in non-time-circumstances, e.g. as a local preposition or as demanded by a verb.

9
  • 4
    I think it's worth noting that "am" derives from "an dem", whereas no such root form exists for "um" (to my knowledge). Jul 10, 2013 at 1:17
  • 3
    Toscho, @falkb, this post now needs further improvement. I agree that um can have the meaning of "about". But I was about rejecting this edit. As it stands now, it sounds like "um" means either "exactly" or "approximately". The logical question that must raise now: how can I determine what's meant. But in nearly all instances you can definitely tell what is meant, because the word "um" rarely (or never?) appears alone when "about" is meant but it's "um herum" (as in the example) or "so um". I think, Toscho, if you agree with the change you should add this to the answer, or rollback if not.
    – Em1
    Jul 10, 2013 at 7:08
  • 2
    other prepositions with time of day are "Ab 19 uhr" "Bis 19 Uhr" "seit 19 Uhr" "von 19 bis 20 Uhr"... so almost all time prepositions there are... I think this should be added, since the answer makes it sound as if the versions given are the only ones
    – Emanuel
    Jul 10, 2013 at 10:53
  • @Toscho: thanks for improving my edit. Now it sounds better.
    – äüö
    Jul 10, 2013 at 11:39
  • I wonder if things like Ich fahre das Verkehrsschild um. must be considered in the answer as well... or even Die Kuh lief um den Teich.
    – äüö
    Jul 10, 2013 at 11:42
2

"Um" refers to a point in time. Um 8 Uhr.

"Am" refers to a general time-span. Am Morgen.

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