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PhrasesInternship ConversationsCome si timbra il cartellino?
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Come si timbra il cartellino?

How do you clock in?

Pronunciation

'Timbra' = TIM-bra. 'Cartellino' = kar-tel-LEE-no. Stress the third syllable.

When to use it

Ask this on your first day before starting work. Many Italian companies use a physical or digital clocking system. Failing to clock in correctly can affect your attendance record and cause administrative problems.

What it means

'Timbrare il cartellino' literally means 'to stamp the card' and refers to clocking in and out. Even where digital systems are used, Italians still use this phrase. 'Si timbra' is the impersonal form.

Variations

C'è un badge per entrare?

Is there a badge to enter?

Refers to the access control badge, which often doubles as a clock-in device

Dove si registrano le ore di lavoro?

Where are working hours recorded?

More general; works whether the system is physical or digital

A che ora devo timbrare al mattino?

What time do I need to clock in in the morning?

Asks for the specific required start time

Mini Dialogue

Tirocinante: Scusa, come si timbra il cartellino? Collega: Qui usiamo un sistema digitale. Metti la tua tessera davanti al lettore all'ingresso. Tirocinante: E vale anche per l'uscita? Collega: Sì, sia in entrata che in uscita. Non dimenticarlo mai.

Intern: Excuse me, how do you clock in? Colleague: Here we use a digital system. Put your card in front of the reader at the entrance. Intern: And it is the same for clocking out? Colleague: Yes, both on the way in and on the way out. Never forget it.

Cultural Note

Italian labour law ('diritto del lavoro') requires precise tracking of working hours. For interns, attendance records are often sent to the university. Missing clock-ins can cause issues with your academic internship certification ('libretto del tirocinio').