💺🆓❓

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

Ist der Platz hier noch frei?

ist dair plats heer nokh fry

[ist dair plats heer nokh fry]

🇩🇪 In Germany: In beer tents you share long tables with strangers. Ask this before sitting down at any gap, even if the bench looks empty.

Phrase Breakdown

Ist der Platz hier

ist dair plats heer

Is the seat here

'Platz' means seat or place. The 'tz' is pronounced 'ts'.

Example

Ist der Platz hier gut?

Is the seat here good?

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

[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?

nokh fry

still free?

'frei' sounds like 'fry'. Let your voice rise at the end to make it a question.

Example

Ist der Tisch noch frei?

Is the table still free?

Words in this phrase

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.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Berlin bureaucracy requires real German. This app got me from zero to handling my Anmeldung appointment in three weeks. My coworkers couldn’t believe it.”

Emma L., 27, UX Researcher

“Relocated to Munich with my family. The everyday scenarios — grocery shopping, doctor visits, school meetings — are exactly what we needed to settle in.”

Marcus J., 40, Engineer

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer