When and how to use “es gibt” in German
Are you struggling with the usage of "es gibt" in German? Don't worry, you're not alone! In this blog post, you’ll get to know the rules and examples to help you master this useful phrase. Let's get started!
The meaning of “es gibt” in German
The phrase "es gibt" is a potent expression in the German language that has two translations, namely: "there is" or "there are." It's crucial for anyone who wants to learn German to comprehend when and how this phrase should be used. There are various contexts where you can use “es gibt” such as depicting the existence of people, objects, or animals, indicating something's availability, or describing an occurrence - just like its English counterparts “there is'' and '' there are''. In comparison to English, there is no need to change the verb based on whether the subsequent noun is singular or plural since "geben" always pertains to the sentence's subject, which is "es."
It's crucial to recognize that es gibt is always (!) followed by an accusative noun or pronoun, without exception. To incorporate es gibt into a sentence, begin with "es gibt" and then insert the relevant noun or pronoun afterward. Also, it's common to use "es hat" instead of "es gibt" in Swiss German.
For example:
Es gibt einen neuen Computer. = There is a new computer.
Gibt es heute Pasta zum Mittag? = Is there pasta for lunch today?
Recommended study materials on the topic:
A-Grammar: Practice German grammar German (incl. answers)
B-Grammar: Practice German grammar German (incl. answers)
German self-study book for A1-B1 (incl. answers)
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The meaning of “es” in “es gibt”
Let me tell you something interesting about the word "es" in this context. It's actually a dummy subject, which means it has no real meaning or reference. Its only purpose is to ensure the sentence has a grammatical subject. You might have noticed this in phrases like "Es schneit" (It's snowing) and "Es hagelt" (There's a hailstorm). And guess what? English does the same thing by using dummy subjects when necessary to ensure proper grammar.
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The meaning of “geben” in “es gibt”
One of the biggest challenges when learning a new language is understanding the different meanings that a word can have depending on the context. This is particularly true for the German verb "geben," which can mean "to give" or "there is" when used in the phrase "es gibt." It can be confusing at first, but with practice and exposure to authentic German language materials, you will start to get a feel for when "geben" means "to give" and when it means "there is." Remember that context is key, so pay attention to the words and phrases before and after "es gibt" to help you understand its meaning.
For example:
Es gibt viele Leute = There’s a lot of people
Das Kind ist sehr nett. Es gibt den Hunden Wasser = The girl is very kind. It gives the dogs water.
“Es gibt” in other tenses
Of course, you can also use “es gibt” in all German tenses. Regarding the past tense, you usually use it in Präteritum just like you do with verbs like “sein” or “haben.”
Präsens: es gibt (there is / are)
Präteritum: es gab (there was / were)
Perfekt: es hat gegeben (there has / have been)
Plusquamperfekt: es hatte gegeben (there had been)
Futur 1: es wird geben (there will be)
Futur 2: es wird gegeben haben (there will have been)
Conclusion
"Es gibt" may seem simple, but its impact on the German language and culture cannot be overstated. I hope this article has shed some light on "es gibt," and you now have a deeper appreciation for this remarkable phrase. So use it confidently, knowing that you are part of a rich linguistic tradition stretching back centuries.
Don’t miss to check out how to pronounce “ch” in German to boost your language skills.
Bis bald!
Steffie
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