es gibt
The German phrase for 'there is' is es gibt.
Es gibt is used to say that something exists or is available. You can use Hier gibt es to emphasize that something is present or available in a particular location.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, es gibt translates to 'it gives'.
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, es gibt does not change based on whether the following noun is singular or plural.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase es gibt always requires the accusative case for the object that follows it.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use es ist to mean 'there is'. However, es ist is used for describing a state or identity, whereas es gibt should be used to express existence.
Did you know?
- In some German dialects, you might hear people use 'es hat' instead of es gibt to mean 'there is', particularly when referring to the availability of things in a specific place.
- Unlike English, which uses 'there is' for both people and things, es gibt is primarily used for things. To say 'there is a man here', Germans often prefer da ist ein Mann.
- The English word 'it' and the German es share a common ancestor, but they come from two different Proto-Germanic roots. English comes from '*hit', whereas German descends from '*it'.
Examples in context
- Es gibt noch mehr.There is more.This sentence is useful for expressing that there is more of something.Tatoeba #6929113 by brauchinet, translation #2252616 by CK
- Es gibt einen Weg.There is a way.This sentence is useful for expressing the existence of a way.Tatoeba #10558914 by Yorwba, translation #6615711 by Eccles17
- Es gibt viel zu tun.There is a lot to do.This sentence is useful for expressing that there is a lot to do.Tatoeba #708635 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3099461 by Miktsoanit
- Es gibt ein Restaurant in der NäheThere is a restaurant nearby
- Es steht ein Zimmer zur VerfügungThere is a room available
- Da ist ein Park hinter dem HausThere is a park behind the house
- Hier gibt es leckere BrötchenThere are delicious rolls here
- Es hat einen neuen Supermarkt in unserer NachbarschaftThere is a new supermarket in our neighborhood
- In unserer Stadt gibt es viele Museen.In our city, there are many museums.
- Da ist ein schöner Strand in der Nähe.There is a beautiful beach nearby.
- Es befindet sich ein Bahnhof in unmittelbarer Nähe des Hotels.There is a train station in close proximity to the hotel.
- 372 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are planning a trip.
- MaximilianGibt es ein Hotel in der Nähe?Is there a hotel nearby?
- HannahJa, es gibt ein schönes Hotel.Yes, there is a nice hotel.
- MaximilianGibt es dort auch ein Restaurant?Is there also a restaurant there?
- HannahNein, es gibt dort leider kein Restaurant.No, unfortunately there is no restaurant there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry es gibt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries es, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
