Charlesp (asker) Apr 30, 2023:

responding to Paul It's literary.
Two people talking, and because they come from different cultures, even though they are speaking the same language (whatever that may be, as they switch back and forth, to see if they can resolve their dilemma by communicating in a different language - but to no avail).

Point is, direct or literal) translation isn't always correct or understood.

Paul Lambert Apr 23, 2023:

Have you been up all night translating? You are still not making sense, Charles. This is very unusual for you.
At any rate, you do now have the correct answer.

Look, I am not knocking you either. Just re-read this thread after a good night's sleep. You might see things differently.

Charlesp (asker) Apr 23, 2023:

responding to Paul cause in mainland European countries (eg Germany) halb neun ("half nine") is 8:30, not 9:30.
So the question here is, do the Scandinavian countries follow the British system or the continental European system? (I don't say 'American system' here, because an American would never say "half-nine" nor would most Americans understand what that meant.)

Paul Lambert Apr 23, 2023:

No, certainly not. No, halv 12 and halv tolv are the same. How did you possibly surmise that they were different from the discussion above?

Charlesp (asker) Apr 23, 2023:

so would there be a difference between halv 12 and halv tolv?

Paul Lambert Apr 23, 2023:

11:30 Or half past 11. In Swedish it is always half way to the next hour.

Christopher Schröder Apr 23, 2023:

11.30