PrettyFluent
This is just a lesson preview. Get the interactive lesson free on PrettyFluent
🏃‍♂️⏰

How to Say ‘I'm running late’ in German

Ich bin spät dran

ikh bin shpeht dran

[ikh bin shpeht dran]

💬 Usage Tip: This is a fixed everyday way to say you're running late: [ich bin spät dran]. You can swap in time words too, like [Ich bin schon spät dran].

Phrase Breakdown

Ich bin

ikh bin

Words in this phrase

Ich

[ikh]

I

The pronoun used by a speaker to refer to themselves.

Example

Ich bin Lehrer.

I am a teacher.

bin

[bin]

am

First person singular present of 'to be'.

Example

Ich bin hier.

I am here.

spät

[shpeht]

late

After the expected or usual time.

Example

Ich bin spät zur Arbeit gekommen.

I was late for work.

dran

[dran]

due

At the stage or position in which one must act or do something next.

Example

Der nächste Bus ist dran.

It is time for the next bus.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Custom Scenarios

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Download PrettyFluent on the App StoreGet Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Berlin bureaucracy requires real German. This app got me from zero to handling my Anmeldung appointment in three weeks. My coworkers couldn’t believe it.”

Emma L., 27, UX Researcher

“Relocated to Munich with my family. The everyday scenarios — grocery shopping, doctor visits, school meetings — are exactly what we needed to settle in.”

Marcus J., 40, Engineer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager