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How to Say ‘Is this seat free?’ in German

Ist der Platz hier noch frei?

ist dair plahts heer nohkh fry

[ist dair plahts heer nohkh fry]

🇩🇪 In Germany: This is the standard, perfectly normal way to join someone at a bar or in a busy café. It doesn't come across as a pickup line.

Phrase Breakdown

Ist der Platz hier

ist dair plahts heer

Is the seat here

A yes/no question starts with the verb. 'Platz' means seat or spot.

Example

Ist der Platz hier besetzt?

Is this seat taken?

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

[plahts]

seat / place

A spot or seat somewhere, often used for seating in a restaurant.

Example

Ein ruhiger Platz ist für ein Gespräch besser.

A quiet seat is better for a conversation.

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 frei?

nohkh fry

still free?

'noch frei' means 'still available'. Your voice rises at the end of the question.

Example

Ist das Zimmer noch frei?

Is the room still available?

Words in this phrase

noch

[nohkh]

Still

Refers to continuing in time.

Example

Ich bin noch am Arbeiten.

I am still working.

frei

[fry]

free / available

Used for appointment slots that are not yet taken.

Example

Der Termin ist noch frei.

The appointment is 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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