12 Uhr Mittags: AM or PM?
When it comes to telling time, many people get confused about what 12 Uhr (12 o'clock) means in terms of AM (Ante Meridiem) or PM (Post Meridiem). In this article, we will clarify the meaning of 12 Uhr Mittags and whether it is AM or PM.
What does 12 Uhr Mittags mean?
In German, "Uhr" means "clock" or "hour", and "Mittags" means "noon" or "midday". Therefore, 12 Uhr Mittags literally translates to 12 o'clock noon. This time refers to the middle of the day, exactly 12 hours after midnight.
Is 12 Uhr Mittags AM or PM?
Now, the question is, is 12 Uhr Mittags AM or PM? The answer is neither. 12 Uhr Mittags is exactly noon, which is the dividing point between AM and PM.
AM (Ante Meridiem)
AM stands for Ante Meridiem, which means "before midday" in Latin. It refers to the hours from midnight to 11:59 AM. Since 12 Uhr Mittags is exactly noon, it is not part of the AM period.
PM (Post Meridiem)
PM stands for Post Meridiem, which means "after midday" in Latin. It refers to the hours from 12:00 PM (noon) to 11:59 PM. Although 12 Uhr Mittags is not part of the AM period, it is also not technically part of the PM period, as it is the exact transition point between the two.
In conclusion
12 Uhr Mittags is a unique time that stands alone, separating the morning (AM) from the afternoon (PM). While it is often considered part of the PM period in casual language, technically, it is neither AM nor PM, but rather the midpoint of the day.
