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How to Say ‘Excuse me, is this seat still free?’ in German

Entschuldigung, ist der Platz hier noch frei?

ent-SHOOL-dee-goong ist dair plats heer nokh fry

[ent-SHOOL-dee-goong ist dair plats heer nokh fry]

🇩🇪 In Germany: In busy German cafés it's normal to ask to share a table with a stranger. That makes this a natural, low-pressure way to end up sitting near someone.

Phrase Breakdown

Entschuldigung,

ent-SHOOL-dee-goong

Excuse me,

A polite way to get someone's attention. The stress falls on 'schul': ent-SCHUL-di-gung.

Example

Entschuldigung, wo ist der Bahnhof?

Excuse me, where is the train station?

Words in this phrase

Entschuldigung

[ent-SHOOL-dee-goong]

excuse me / sorry

Used to get attention politely or to apologize for a small mistake.

Example

Entschuldigung, wo ist der Bahnhof?

Excuse me, where is the train station?

ist der Platz

ist dair plats

is the seat

The verb comes first in a yes/no question. Pronounce the 'tz' in 'Platz' like 'ts'.

Example

Ist der Platz bequem?

Is the seat comfortable?

Words in this phrase

ist

[ist]

A form of the verb 'sein' used for singular subjects.

Example

Für viele Bewerber Ist ein gutes Teamklima entscheidend.

For many applicants, a good team climate is crucial.

der

[dair]

the

Feminine article in the dative case, used after 'in' for location.

Example

Das steht in der Zeitung.

That's in the newspaper.

Platz

[plats]

seat

A place to sit, e.g. a chair at a table.

Example

Dieser Platz ist besetzt.

This seat is taken.

hier noch frei?

heer nokh fry

here still free?

'Noch frei' means still available. Let your voice rise at the end of the question.

Example

Ist der Tisch noch frei?

Is the table still free?

Words in this phrase

hier

[heer]

here

Refers to this place, such as the current event or location.

Example

Es ist gut, hier neue Leute kennenzulernen.

It is good to meet new people here.

noch

[nokh]

another / still

Adds the idea of one more thing.

Example

Ich habe noch einen Vorschlag für unser Treffen.

I still have another suggestion for our meeting.

frei

[fry]

available, free

Not occupied or booked; open for use.

Example

Ist dieser Tisch noch frei?

Is this table still available?

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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