diff --git a/quest_api.lua b/quest_api.lua
index 5bb85ad..5744cf0 100644
--- a/quest_api.lua
+++ b/quest_api.lua
@@ -518,3 +518,9 @@ yl_speak_up.get_list_of_debugged_variables = function(pname)
 	end
 	return res
 end
+
+
+-- helper function; time is sometimes needed
+yl_speak_up.get_time_in_seconds = function()
+	return math.floor(minetest.get_us_time()/1000000)
+end