🪑❓🆓

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

Ist der Hocker hier noch frei?

ist dair HOK-er heer nohkh fry

[ist dair HOK-er heer nohkh fry]

💬 Usage Tip: noch here means "still": "is it still free?" The same pattern works for any seat: Ist der Platz hier noch frei? "Is this seat still free?"

🇩🇪 In Germany: This is the standard, low-pressure way to sit next to someone at a bar. It's polite enough to use with anyone and gives them an easy chance to chat or not.

Phrase Breakdown

Ist der Hocker

ist dair HOK-er

Is the stool

A 'Hocker' is a stool without a backrest, often a bar stool. Stress the first syllable: 'HOK-ker'.

Example

Der Hocker ist bequem.

The stool is 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.

Hocker

[HOK-er]

stool

A seat without a back, typical at a bar counter.

Example

Der Hocker an der Bar ist bequem.

The stool at the bar is comfortable.

hier noch frei?

heer nohkh fry

here still free?

'Noch frei' means 'still available'. Let your voice rise on 'frei', because it's a question.

Example

Ist hier noch frei?

Is this seat 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

[nohkh]

Still

Refers to continuing in time.

Example

Ich bin noch am Arbeiten.

I am still working.

frei

[fry]

available

Describes something open, unoccupied, or free to book.

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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