Someone should Properly translate German into English

What kind of English translation is that for the German expression: Es ist fünf vor halb sieben. "It’s five minutes before half past six." Not only we have to figure out the German crazy expression to tell that it is 6:25. But we also have to figure out what the English expression means. No one as far as I know reports the time of 6:25 as "It’s five minutes before half past six.". The word for word translation is inapropriate or should be in parenthesis. The right English translation should be included so no one needs to figure out what the English means.

Hi Pierre, I understand it is hard if you are not a native English speaker to go through the lessons. I believe you are referring to the 'What time is it?' lesson? I will post you the times for those examples and also make sure they have been added to the lesson. Thank you for your feedback. We are constantly working on improving the lessons so your feedback is apprieciated. I must admit it is a bit odd to say "It’s five minutes before half past six."in English. If I want to be precious I would say:" Es ist 6 uhr 25."-> "It is 6.25." Otherwise I would just say :"Es ist fast halb sieben."-> "It is almost half past six." There are many ways to say the time in German. Even native speakers like me get confused sometimes. Hope that helps! Paul

I'm totally confused too!

If you state the time the way we normally do in English, i.e. so many minutes before (vor) the hour or so many minutes after, you will be understood. It's the half hour business, e.g. halb sieben, that is likely to trip you up, because it's not natural to think that way in English. As Paul says, check out the lesson on time. It is clear enough although not easy to think that way on your feet.