bist du da?
The English phrase "are you there?" is translated into German as bist du da?
This phrase is a question used to check if someone is present or listening, such as during a phone call or in another room.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase bist du da? is composed of bist (are), du (you) and da (there/present).
Which one should you use?
Bist du da? is an informal way to say Are you there? For a shorter and even more informal way to say the phrase, you can use Bist da? If you are addressing a group of people you are on informal terms with, use Seid ihr da?
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of people on informal terms, use Seid ihr da? Use Sind Sie da? instead of bist du da? when speaking to a stranger, a superior or in a professional context.
When do people say it?
A standard response to confirm presence is Ja, ich bin da.
Did you know?
- In German, the word da can be used as a one-word answer to confirm you are present, similar to saying 'here' in English.
- The word du is a direct relative of the archaic English word 'thou'.
- The word da is a linguistic multitasker. While it means 'there' in your phrase, it can also mean 'then' in terms of time, having evolved from three distinct Old High German adverbs.
Examples in context
- Sind Sie da? Ich würde gerne etwas mit Ihnen besprechen.Are you there? I would like to discuss something with you.
- Bist du da? Ich wollte mit dir über das Wochenende sprechen.Are you there? I wanted to talk to you about the weekend.
- Bist du da?Are you there?
- Hallo, bist du da?Hello, are you there?
Example conversation
Julian is calling Laura on her mobile phone.
- JulianHallo Laura, bist du da?Hello Laura, are you there?
- LauraJa, ich bin da. Sorry!Yes, I am here. Sorry!
- JulianIch dachte schon, die Verbindung ist schlecht.I already thought the connection was bad.
- LauraNein, ich habe nur kurz das Handy gesucht.No, I just briefly looked for my phone.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bist, da, du, CC BY-SA 4.0.
