In German you would use it to get a short answer to a short question, for example a yes/no question or when you ask about the time. In practice the shortest an

In German you would use it to get a short answer to a short question, for example a yes/no question or when you ask about the time. In practice the shortest answer possible with the notice that you are just looking for a quick answer without explanations. Normally you use it to let the other know that it will not take long and you don't want to disturb.