Convert CET to CT
Central European Time (CET) to Central Time (CT)
European teams in Germany, France, and the Netherlands coordinating with US Central offices in Chicago, Houston, and Minneapolis search this pair frequently. The 7-hour gap is wider than CET-EST but still workable. The complication comes from mismatched DST switch dates in March and October/November.
When it's 12:00 PM in Berlin, it's 5:00 AM in Chicago
On Mar 8 – Mar 28, 2026; Oct 25 – Oct 31, 2026; Mar 14 – Mar 27, 2027; Oct 31 – Nov 6, 2027: 6:00 AM in Chicago.
Interactive Converter
Pick any time and date to convert between CET and CT.
CET to CT Conversion Table
Full 24-hour comparison. Business hours (9 AM -- 6 PM) are highlighted.
| Berlin (CET) | Chicago (CT) |
|---|---|
| 12:00 AM | 5:00 PM -1 day |
| 1:00 AM | 6:00 PM -1 day |
| 2:00 AM | 7:00 PM -1 day |
| 3:00 AM | 8:00 PM -1 day |
| 4:00 AM | 9:00 PM -1 day |
| 5:00 AM | 10:00 PM -1 day |
| 6:00 AM | 11:00 PM -1 day |
| 7:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
| 8:00 AM | 1:00 AM |
| 9:00 AM | 2:00 AM |
| 10:00 AM | 3:00 AM |
| 11:00 AM | 4:00 AM |
| 12:00 PM | 5:00 AM |
| 1:00 PM | 6:00 AM |
| 2:00 PM | 7:00 AM |
| 3:00 PM | 8:00 AM |
| 4:00 PM | 9:00 AM |
| 5:00 PM | 10:00 AM |
| 6:00 PM | 11:00 AM |
| 7:00 PM | 12:00 PM |
| 8:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| 9:00 PM | 2:00 PM |
| 10:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 11:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
These times apply on all dates in 2026–2027 except:
- Mar 8 – Mar 28, 2026; Oct 25 – Oct 31, 2026; Mar 14 – Mar 27, 2027; Oct 31 – Nov 6, 2027: Chicago times are 1 hour later.
Best Meeting Window
Top meeting times for teams in CET and CT (9 AM -- 6 PM work hours, 1-hour meeting).
All members within working hours. Everyone in mid-day range.
All members within working hours. 1 in mid-day range (9 AM–5 PM).
1 of 2 members within working hours. 1 in mid-day range (9 AM–5 PM). Outside work hours for Berlin.
These times apply on all dates in 2026–2027 except:
- Mar 8 – Mar 28, 2026; Oct 25 – Oct 31, 2026; Mar 14 – Mar 27, 2027; Oct 31 – Nov 6, 2027: Chicago times are 1 hour later.
Scheduling Tips
- Schedule meetings between 3:00-5:00 PM CET / 8:00-10:00 AM CST for the widest comfortable overlap.
- Avoid scheduling after 6:00 PM CET -- that is only 11:00 AM CST, fine for Chicago but already evening in Europe.
- Rotate all-hands meetings between 9:00 AM CST (4:00 PM CET) and 8:00 AM CST (3:00 PM CET) to share convenience.
- Mark the March and late October DST transition weeks -- recurring meetings will silently shift by an hour if your calendar does not auto-adjust.
Time Difference & DST
The CET to CT gap is -7h or -6h, depending on daylight saving time. The table lists each period.
| Dates | Berlin | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 – Mar 7, 2026 | UTC+1 | UTC-6 | -7h |
| Mar 8 – Mar 28, 2026 | UTC+1 | UTC-5 | -6h |
| Mar 29 – Oct 24, 2026 | UTC+2 | UTC-5 | -7h |
| Oct 25 – Oct 31, 2026 | UTC+1 | UTC-5 | -6h |
| Nov 1, 2026 – Mar 13, 2027 | UTC+1 | UTC-6 | -7h |
| Mar 14 – Mar 27, 2027 | UTC+1 | UTC-5 | -6h |
| Mar 28 – Oct 30, 2027 | UTC+2 | UTC-5 | -7h |
| Oct 31 – Nov 6, 2027 | UTC+1 | UTC-5 | -6h |
| Nov 7 – Dec 31, 2027 | UTC+1 | UTC-6 | -7h |
Use the interactive converter for a specific date.
Major Cities
Central European Time (CET)
- Berlin
- Munich
- Frankfurt
Central Time (CT)
- Chicago
- Dallas
- Houston
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time difference between CET and CST?
When does the CET-CST time difference change?
What time is 9 AM CST in Berlin?
Related Guides
Optimal calling hours from US time zones to CET, GMT, and EET. Maximize overlap for transatlantic team meetings.
Scheduling Across Time Zones: Best Practices for Global TeamsProven strategies for scheduling meetings across multiple time zones. Reduce late-night calls and improve team fairness.
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