If you can never remember which direction the clocks turn when the time changes, you need these mnemonics.
In some countries the Time change already abolishedin Germany it will remain for part of the year for the time being. In spring and autumn the clock hands are turned nationwide when the change from winter to summer time and then back to winter time takes place.
But not everyone can remember whether the clocks can be turned forward or back one hour must. This can be easily changed with these mnemonics.
Time change: These mnemonics help
Many clocks update automatically when the time changes, for example in cell phones, radio-controlled clocks, newer cars or other devices with an Internet connection. However, classic wristwatches, old radios, alarm clocks or household appliances must be changed by hand.
These various mnemonics will help you turn the clock in the right direction the evening before – for example, so that you don’t get up too late:
- Temperature rule: In summer it is plus temperatures, so it is summer time plus one hour. In winter it is minus degrees, so minus an hour.
- Garden furniture trick: In the summer you put them outside the door, in the winter you put them back in the house.
- Letter rule: In SOalways after vOrn, in the Winter to hinths.
- Rhyming saying: In the summer you film a piece, in the winter
- Monthly rule: In March you travel forward in time, then in October you travel back in time.
- 2332 rule: The number combination refers to the times to which the clock is set. In summer time the clock is always set from 2 o’clock to 3 o’clock, in winter time from 3 o’clock to 2 o’clock.
- Sleep rule: In summer you will be more tired in the morning, in winter you will get the hour back.
There is also an idiom in English that can help you remember the time change better: “Jump forward, fall back.” There are two possible translations for this, namely “spring forward, autumn back”, at the same time it can also mean “jump forward, fall backward”. Unfortunately, the mnemonics in German are not quite as compact.
In 2026, the dates for the time change are March 29th and October 25th. If you don’t have to rely on an analog alarm clock, you can simply look at your cell phone the next morning and then set all the other clocks accordingly.
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