How to Say “Is This Seat Taken?” in German
The most common way to ask if a seat is available in German is:
Ist dieser Platz frei?
This phrase directly translates to “Is this seat free?” and is universally understood in German-speaking countries. Here’s a breakdown of the words:
- Ist – is
- dieser – this (masculine form, matching “Platz”)
- Platz – seat or place
- frei – free (meaning available or not occupied)
Alternative Ways to Ask
Depending on the situation, you might hear or want to use slight variations:
- Ist hier noch frei? – Is this still free here?
- Ist der Platz besetzt? – Is the seat taken? (literally: Is the seat occupied?)
- Sitzt hier jemand? – Is someone sitting here?
All of these are polite and appropriate for most situations, whether you’re on a train, in a waiting room, or at a busy café.
Pronunciation Tips
Correct pronunciation helps you sound more natural and confident. Here’s how you say the main phrase:
- Ist – pronounced like “ist” in “list”
- dieser – “DEE-zehr”
- Platz – “plahts”
- frei – “fry” (like the English word “fry”)
Practice saying the whole phrase: Ist dieser Platz frei? with a friendly tone.
Using the Phrase in Context
Let’s look at some common scenarios and how you can use this phrase:
- On public transportation: Before sitting next to someone on a bus or train, ask, “Entschuldigung, ist dieser Platz frei?” (Excuse me, is this seat free?)
- In a café or restaurant: If a place is crowded and you see a spot at someone’s table, say, “Entschuldigung, ist hier noch frei?”
- At an event: When looking for a seat in a hall or theater, you can use, “Ist der Platz besetzt?”
Adding “Entschuldigung” (excuse me) before your question makes it even more polite.
Politeness and Cultural Tips
Germans value politeness and personal space. Always make eye contact and use a polite tone when asking. If the seat is available, you’ll likely hear:
- Ja, bitte. – Yes, please.
- Natürlich. – Of course.
If the seat is not available, the response might be:
- Nein, tut mir leid. – No, I’m sorry.
- Der Platz ist besetzt. – The seat is taken.
Always thank the person, whether the seat is available or not: Danke! (Thank you!)
How to Practice and Remember
Integrate this phrase into your daily German practice. Try repeating it aloud, writing it down, or using it in role-plays with a friend or a language partner. Talkpal’s AI language learning tools can help you practice conversational German, including scenarios like asking about available seats. Consistent practice will help you remember the phrase and use it naturally when you need it.
Conclusion
Mastering simple, practical phrases like “Is this seat taken?” in German will make your travels and daily experiences much smoother and more enjoyable. Remember the main phrase, Ist dieser Platz frei?, along with its variations and pronunciation tips. Use these expressions confidently and politely, and you’ll make a great impression wherever you go. For more tips on learning German for real-life situations, check out the resources and interactive lessons on Talkpal’s blog.
