The time difference with our German relatives and friends is a bit stressful – after all, we are 7 hours behind Central European Time. Most of them have gotten used to us not answering the phone in the European morning or calling late in the evening. We are here in the middle of the USA and therefore have Central Time. But as a little “geography lesson,” here is quick info about local times:
There are four time zones in the Continental US area:
- Eastern Time = 6h behind German Time
- Central Time (central states) = 7h behind German Time
- Mountain Time (mountain regions) = 8h behind German Time
- Pacific Time (western states) = 9h behind German Time
- and then there is
- Alaskan Time (says the name) = 10h behind German Time
- Hawaiian Time (on the islands) = 11h behind German Time
The whole thing is then, as in Europe, divided into Daylight Saving Time (DST) and Standard Time (ST). Thus, for example, for business-related online meetings, there is always the question of the correct Time: e.g., a meeting is scheduled for 1:00 PM PST (San Francisco) = 3:00 PM CST (Texas time) = 4:00 PM EST (New York). It takes some getting used to, primarily if you work globally, as in our case. But, of course, this time difference is charming for our “short trips” or when in a state like Arizona, the individual areas (e.g., reservations) have different times. In case of doubt, the only thing that helps is to take off your watch or to have two watches on your arm!