das ist
The German phrase for "this is" is das ist.
das ist is used to identify or introduce something. It can refer to proximal objects, which are things close to you, as well as abstract concepts or situations.
Which one should you use?
While dies ist exists, das ist is the standard way to say "this is" when you are introducing or identifying something. If you want to say "this one", you can use the demonstrative pronoun der hier.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Bavarian dialect, people often use Des is instead of das ist. In Swiss German, people use Das isch instead of das ist.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the subject following the phrase is plural, das ist changes to das sind (these are).
Did you know?
- While das ist translates to 'this is', the word das can also mean 'the' for any neuter noun in the language.
- The word das in das ist is actually a relative of the English word 'that'. Both stem from the same ancient Proto-Germanic root, meaning they are distant linguistic cousins.
- Although das literally translates to 'that', it is the standard way to say 'this is' when pointing at something nearby. Using the word 'this' (dies) can actually sound overly formal or even stiff in casual conversation.
Examples in context
- Das ist so gut.This is so good.This sentence is useful for expressing how good something is using das ist.Tatoeba #10246415 by wolfgangth, translation #3196397 by meric
- Das ist mir neu.This is new to me.This sentence shows how to say something is new to you using das ist.Tatoeba #626794 by BraveSentry, translation #3733040 by CK
- Das ist zu groß.This is too big.This sentence shows how to say something is too big using das ist.Tatoeba #635636 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #55535 by CK
- Das ist Herr Schmidt.This is Mr. Schmidt.
- Das ist Frau Mayer.This is Mrs. Mayer.
- Hier haben wir unseren neuen Geschäftspartner.Here we have our new business partner.
- Das ist mein Freund Tim.This is my friend Tim.
- Das ist meine Schwester Anna.This is my sister Anna.
- Hier ist mein neues Auto.This is my new car.
- Hier ist das Buch, von dem ich dir erzählt habe.This is the book I told you about.
- Des is da Sepp.This is Sepp.
- Des is mei Oma.This is my grandma.
- Das isch de Martin.This is Martin.
- Das sind mini Eltere.These are my parents.
- Das ist die Katze.This is the cat.
- Dieser Mann hier ist mein Chef.This man here is my boss.
- 2289 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are standing in an art gallery.
- MaximilianDas ist ein sehr teures Bild.This is a very expensive painting.
- HannahStimmt, das ist wirklich wunderschön.True, this is really beautiful.
- MaximilianGefällt dir die Farbe?Do you like the color?
- HannahJa, die Farben sind toll.Yes, the colors are great.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries das, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
