du hast
/duː hast/word by word
The English phrase "you have" is expressed in German as du hast.
This phrase is used to state that someone possesses or owns something.
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, where "you" is used for both singular and plural, German distinguishes between du hast (one person), ihr habt (multiple people you know) and Sie haben (multiple people or one person in a formal context).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase du hast is the informal singular form. When addressing a group of people you know well, use ihr habt instead of du hast. The verb 'haben' (to have) follows the conjugation for the second person singular 'du' in the phrase du hast.
How do you pronounce it?
/duː hast/
Did you know?
- The phrase du hast became a global pop-culture phenomenon through the band Rammstein. Their hit song Du Hast plays with the similarity between hast (have) and hasst (hate).
- The word du shares the same ancient roots as the English word 'thou', which was once the standard way to say 'you' in English.
- In German, if you say du hast to a stranger in a shop, it might come across as impolite or overly familiar because of the informal tone.
Examples in context
- Du hast ihn dort.You have him there.This sentence is useful for showing how to use du hast with a person.Tatoeba #1912719 by Tamy, translation #44849 by CM
- Du hast ein Auto.You have a car.This sentence is useful for showing how to use du hast with an object.Tatoeba #10053526 by wolfgangth, translation #5152807 by CarpeLanam
- Du hast mein Wort.You have my word.This sentence is useful for showing how to use du hast with a concept.Tatoeba #6645244 by Felixjp, translation #1638261 by Spamster
- Sie haben einen Termin.You have an appointment.
- Entschuldigen Sie, haben Sie eine Kreditkarte?Excuse me, do you have a credit card?
- Sie besitzen ein großes Haus.You have a big house.
- Haben Sie einen neuen Laptop? Ja, ich besitze einen.Do you have a new laptop? Yes, I have one.
- Du hast eine tolle Stimme.You have a great voice.
- Wann hast du Geburtstag?When is your birthday?
- Hallo Leute, habt ihr Zeit für eine Party?Hey guys, do you have time for a party?
- Ihr habt schöne Kleider.You have nice clothes.
- Habt ihr ein Auto?Do you guys have a car?
- Sie haben schon gegessen?Have you eaten already?
- Du hast das Buch gelesen.You have read the book.
- 555 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a living room, Julian is looking for his keys.
- JuliaDu hast den Schlüssel in der Hand.You have the key in your hand.
- JulianOh, du hast recht. Danke, Julia!Oh, you are right. Thanks, Julia!
- JuliaDu hast heute wirklich viel zu tun.You have a lot to do today.
- JulianJa, das stimmt.Yes, that is true.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (du, Hast) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
