What Does “bis” Mean in German?
The German word “bis” generally translates to “until” or “up to” in English. It is a preposition used to indicate a limit in time or place. Understanding its application is crucial for expressing deadlines, durations, locations, and directions accurately in German.
Using “bis” Relative to Time
1. Expressing Deadlines and End Points
The most common use of “bis” is to indicate the end point of an event or action. When referring to time, “bis” tells us how long something will last or when something will finish.
- Ich arbeite bis 18 Uhr. (I work until 6 p.m.)
- Die Ausstellung geht bis Sonntag. (The exhibition lasts until Sunday.)
- Bis morgen! (See you tomorrow! / Until tomorrow!)
Notice that “bis” is followed by a specific time, date, or day, without an article or preposition in between.
2. Combining “bis” with Other Time Prepositions
Sometimes, “bis” is used with other prepositions for more precise time expressions:
- bis zu (up to): Used to indicate an approximate time range.
Example: Ich bleibe bis zu einer Stunde. (I stay for up to an hour.) - bis auf: Rarely used for time, but sometimes in legal or official language to mean “except for.”
Example: bis auf Weiteres (until further notice)
3. “Bis” in Fixed Time Phrases
“Bis” also appears in many fixed expressions related to time:
- bis bald (see you soon)
- bis gleich (see you in a bit)
- bis später (see you later)
Using “bis” Relative to Place
1. Indicating a Destination or End Point
When talking about locations, “bis” indicates the end point of a movement or journey.
- Der Bus fährt bis Berlin. (The bus goes to Berlin.)
- Geh bis zur Kreuzung. (Go up to the intersection.)
In these cases, “bis” is often followed by a place name or combined with another preposition for more detail.
2. Combining “bis” with Other Location Prepositions
To be more specific, “bis” can be combined with other prepositions and articles:
- bis zu: Used with feminine or plural nouns, or when an article is needed.
Example: bis zur Haltestelle (up to the bus stop) - bis an: Used for destinations involving surfaces or boundaries.
Example: bis ans Meer (up to the sea) - bis nach: Used with city or country names.
Example: bis nach München (as far as Munich)
These combinations help clarify exactly where the action ends.
Key Tips for Using “bis” Correctly
- With days, times, and dates, use “bis” alone: bis Montag (until Monday)
- With places that require an article, combine “bis” with “zu”: bis zur Schule (to the school)
- For cities or countries, use “bis nach”: bis nach Italien (to Italy)
- For boundaries or edges, use “bis an”: bis an den Fluss (up to the river)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not use an article or preposition after “bis” when referring to days, times, or months. Say bis Freitag instead of bis zum Freitag.
- Don’t confuse “bis” with “von” (from). “Von … bis …” is used to express a range: von Montag bis Freitag (from Monday to Friday).
- Remember that “bis” always refers to the endpoint, not the duration itself.
Practice and Resources
Using “bis” fluently takes practice. Try forming your own sentences, or use language learning tools like Talkpal to reinforce these concepts through interactive exercises and conversations. Listening to native speakers and reading German texts will also help you recognize “bis” in context.
Conclusion
Understanding how to use “bis” relative to time and place is a fundamental skill for German learners. Whether you are setting deadlines, making plans, or giving directions, mastering “bis” will help you communicate with clarity and precision. For more helpful tips and in-depth guides on German grammar and vocabulary, keep following the Talkpal – AI language learning blog.
