You Are Now Crossing the International Language Line

There are many, many different ways to tell time across languages but more markedly across dialects. Half five could mean anything from 5:30 to 4:30 to 6:00 (and don't forget 17:30, 16:30 or 18:00). That is, the translated way. I once asked some Germans what the time was. One girl told me it was ... and then another German said, "Wait, that's not right!" and then a whole argument about the correct way to say the time ensued.