Existentielles 'There' (Es gibt)
Türöffner für deine Sätze, der neue Infos bringt und Existenz ausdrückt.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'There' + 'be' to introduce new information or state that something exists without making it the grammatical subject.
- Use 'There is' for singular nouns and uncountable things: 'There is a fly in my soup.'
- Use 'There are' for plural nouns: 'There are three meetings scheduled today.'
- In questions, swap the order: 'Is there any coffee left?' or 'Are there any concerns?'
Overview
there is (es gibt) kein WLAN? Dieser kleine Moment der Panik wird Ihnen durch das existenzielle there beschert. Es ist die Grammatik der Existenz.Hey, schau mal! Dieses Ding ist hier!
there is und there are, um neue Informationen einzuführen. Wir nennen dies das existenzielle there. Warum?A cat is on the sofa. Das klingt wie ein Roboter.
There is a cat on the sofa. Das fühlt sich natürlicher an. Stell dir there als Platzhalter vor. Es bedeutet nicht dort drüben (das ist ein anderes there).there is ein Problem mit meiner Bestellung. Oder: there are drei neue Nachrichten in deinem Posteingang.there's (da ist) eine Spinne auf seiner Schulter. Und mal ehrlich, was für ein Freund wärst du dann?Word Order Rules
there kommt das eigentliche Subjekt *nach* dem Verb. Das Muster ist: There + be (Verb) + Noun (Subjekt) + Place/Time.- Singular:
There+is+a/an+ Singular-Nomen. Beispiel:There is a coffee on the table. - Plural:
There+are+ Plural-Nomen. Beispiel:There are two dogs in the park.
Is there a fly in my soup? oder Are there any tickets left?. Für Verneinungen fügst du einfach not hinzu: There is not (isn't) any milk. oder There are not (aren't) any chairs. Beim modernen Texten verwenden wir fast immer die Kurzform There's für den Singular. Aber sei vorsichtig!there's für Pluraldinge wie There's three books vermeiden. Auch wenn es im echten Leben jeder sagt, könnte dein Englischlehrer einen kleinen Herzinfarkt bekommen, wenn du das so schreibst. Verwende There are für den Plural, wenn du professionell wirken willst, z.How This Grammar Works
there als ein Scheinsubjekt vor. Es ist keine echte Person oder Sache. Es ist nur ein grammatikalischer Geist.The beach is beautiful. Du willst deinen Followern sagen, was sie dort finden können. Du sagst:
There are many palm trees here! oder There is a small café nearby. Du führst diese Dinge in das Gespräch ein.there is mit it is. Hier ist die goldene Regel: Verwende there is, um zu sagen, dass etwas existiert. Verwende it is, um dieses Ding zu beschreiben, wenn du es bereits eingeführt hast.There isein neues Handy auf dem Tisch. (Ich sage dir, dass es da ist.)It issehr teuer. (Ich beschreibe das Handy, über das wir gerade gesprochen haben.)
there is (es gibt) einen Grund für alles, bedeutet das meist nur, dass man vergessen hat, warum man in die Küche gegangen ist.Formation Pattern
There. Dies dient als dein Fundament.
is. Wenn du zwei oder mehr siehst, verwende are.
is (There is water / There is a bug)
are (There are memes / There are people)
There + is + a party + at my house.
There + are + many stars + in the sky.
There's der König. There's a new video on YouTube. Es ist schnell, es ist pointiert und es lässt dich wie einen Muttersprachler klingen. Denk einfach daran, dass is Singular-Nomen liebt und are Plural-Nomen liebt. Sie sind wie das eine Paar auf einer Party, das sich weigert, getrennt zu werden. Wenn du is mit einem Plural-Nomen in einen formellen Aufsatz schreibst, ist das so, als würdest du Socken in Sandalen tragen – manche Leute tun es, aber es ist definitiv eine fragwürdige Wahl.
Pattern Variations
- Die Verneinung: Füge
nothinzu. Im umgangssprachlichen Englisch verwenden wirisn'tundaren't. There isn't any Wi-Fi in this café.(Die ultimative Tragödie des 21. Jahrhunderts.)There aren't any clean towels.- Die Frage: Vertausche das Verb und
there. Is there a charger I can use?Are there any good shows on Netflix right now?- Die Kurzantwort: Sag nicht einfach nur
YesoderNo. Verwende das Muster. Is there a gym in the hotel?
->Yes,
there is.Are there many people at the party?
-> "No,there aren't."- Mengenangaben: Wir verwenden oft
somefür positive Sätze undanyfür Verneinungen und Fragen. There are some cookies in the kitchen.Are there any cookies left?(Die wichtigste Frage, die du jemals stellen wirst.)
Real Conversations
Schauen wir uns an, wie das in der realen Welt aussieht. Stell dir vor, du bist mit einem Freund in einem Café.
Szenario 1: Im Café
Freund
Is there ein Tisch für uns?Du
there's einer in der Ecke. Aber there aren't keine Stühle!Freund
there are einige Stühle am Fenster. Lass sie uns schnappen.Szenario 2: Essen online bestellen
Du
Are there irgendwelche veganen Burger in dieser App?Mitbewohner
there is eine Option in diesem neuen Laden.Du
there's eine Liefergebühr von 10 Dollar. Egal, there's noch etwas Pasta im Kühlschrank.Szenario 3: Reise-Vlogging
Du
There's eine tolle Aussicht hinter mir. There are heute so viele Touristen, aber there is ein ruhiges Plätzchen dort drüben am Brunnen.Siehst du? Es ist überall. Von TikTok-Kommentaren bis hin zu WhatsApp-Gruppen – diese Regel ist der Klebstoff, der das grundlegende Englisch zusammenhält.
Common Mistakes
- 1Die
It is-Falle: Sag nichtIt is a book on the table
, wenn duThere is a book on the tablemeinst. Denk daran:There is= Existenz.It is= Identifizierung/Beschreibung. - 2Rechtschreibfehler: Verwechsle
Therenicht mitTheir(ihr/ihre) oderThey're(sie sind). Sie klingen gleich, aber die Autokorrektur deines Handys wird dich schweigend verurteilen. - 3Singular/Plural-Verwechslung:
There is many people
. Obwohl das in sehr lockerer Umgangssprache vorkommt, ist es technisch gesehen falsch. Bleib beiThere arefür den Plural. - 4Das fehlende
A: Vergiss den Artikel nicht! Es heißt nichtThere is car, sondernThere is a car. - 5Übermäßiger Gebrauch von
Have: In vielen Sprachen sagt manEs hat eine Katze
, um zu bedeutenDa ist eine Katze
. Im Englischen tun wir das nicht. Benutze einfachthere is.
Quick FAQ
F: Kann ich There's für Pluraldinge sagen?
In der Umgangssprache ja. Aber in einer Prüfung verwende immer There are für den Plural.
F: Was ist, wenn ich eine Liste von Dingen habe, z. B. einen Stift und zwei Bleistifte?
Normalerweise richtet sich das Verb nach dem *ersten* Element in der Liste. Also: There is a pen and two pencils.
F: Ist there das Subjekt des Satzes?
Grammatikalisch gesehen ist es ein Platzhalter. Das eigentliche Subjekt ist das Nomen nach dem Verb.
F: Wie sage ich there is in der Vergangenheit?
Ändere einfach das Verb be. Verwende there was für Singular und there were für Plural.
F: Ist es okay, There is no statt There isn't any zu sagen?
Ja! There is no milk ist völlig korrekt und klingt etwas direkter.
F: Kann ich there is für Personen verwenden?
Absolut! There is a new student in our class ist die Standardart, Leute vorzustellen.
Existential 'There' across Tenses
| Tense | Singular/Uncountable | Plural |
|---|---|---|
|
Present Simple
|
There is
|
There are
|
|
Past Simple
|
There was
|
There were
|
|
Future (Will)
|
There will be
|
There will be
|
|
Present Perfect
|
There has been
|
There have been
|
|
Past Perfect
|
There had been
|
There had been
|
|
Modals (e.g. might)
|
There might be
|
There might be
|
Common Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
|
There is
|
There's
|
Very common in speech/writing
|
|
There are
|
There're
|
Rare in writing, common in fast speech
|
|
There will
|
There'll
|
Common in informal speech
|
|
There is not
|
There isn't / There's not
|
Both are common
|
|
There are not
|
There aren't
|
Standard negative plural
|
Meanings
A construction used to introduce a new topic or to state the existence or presence of something in a particular place or time.
Physical Existence
Stating that an object or person is physically present in a location.
“There is a cat on the roof.”
“There are several cars in the driveway.”
Abstract Existence
Stating the presence of non-physical things like ideas, problems, or feelings.
“There is no hope for a quick resolution.”
“There are many reasons to be optimistic.”
Events and Occurrences
Announcing that an event is happening or will happen.
“There is a party tonight at Sarah's house.”
“There was a massive protest in the city center.”
Availability
Indicating whether something can be used or obtained.
“There is plenty of food in the fridge.”
“Are there any tickets left for the show?”
Complex Existence (B2+)
Using 'there' with modal verbs or verbs of perception to express nuance.
“There might be a delay in your shipment.”
“There appears to have been a mistake in the calculations.”
Reference Table
| Funktion | Singular/Unzählbar | Plural | Beispiel |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aussage
|
`There is / There was`
|
`There are / There were`
|
`There is a cat.` `There are cats.`
|
|
Verneinung
|
`There isn't / wasn't`
|
`There aren't / weren't`
|
`There isn't a problem.` `There weren't questions.`
|
|
Frage
|
`Is there? / Was there?`
|
`Are there? / Were there?`
|
`Is there coffee?` `Were there any emails?`
|
|
Zukunft
|
`There will be`
|
`There will be`
|
`There will be a party.`
|
|
Perfekt
|
`There has been`
|
`There have been`
|
`There has been rain.` `There have been delays.`
|
|
Modalverben
|
`There might be`
|
`There might be`
|
`There might be a test.`
|
Formalitätsspektrum
There appears to be a discrepancy in the financial records. (Workplace)
There is a mistake in the accounts. (Workplace)
There's a bit of a mess-up with the numbers. (Workplace)
There's a major glitch in the system. (Workplace)
Existentielles 'There' vs. Orts- 'There'
Existentiell (Platzhalter-Subjekt)
- There is a cat. (Katze existiert)
- There are problems. (Probleme existieren)
Adverb (Ort)
- The cat is there. (Ort der Katze)
- Go over there. (Richtung)
Wann du 'There Is/Are' vs. 'It Is' verwendest
Wahl zwischen 'There is' oder 'There are'
Führst du etwas zum ersten Mal ein oder sagst seine Existenz aus?
Ist die folgende Nomenphrase Singular, unzählbar oder Plural?
Wenn Singular/Unzählbar:
Wenn Plural:
Verwendungen von 'There is/are'
Neue Infos
- • There's a notification.
- • There are some changes.
Existenz
- • There is a God.
- • There are 7 continents.
Verfügbarkeit
- • There isn't much time.
- • Are there seats left?
Beschreibungen
- • There is a lake.
- • There are mountains.
Beispiele nach Niveau
There is a dog in the park.
There are four chairs in the room.
Is there a supermarket near here?
There are no students in the class.
There was a big party last night.
There weren't any eggs in the fridge.
Will there be a test tomorrow?
There is a lot of sugar in this tea.
There has been an accident on the highway.
There is something I need to tell you.
There used to be a cinema on this street.
Is there anything I can do to help?
There appears to be a slight delay with your flight.
There might have been a misunderstanding during the call.
There is no point in arguing about this now.
There are bound to be some objections to the new policy.
There remains much work to be done before the deadline.
There exists a fundamental flaw in your logic.
There arose a sudden conflict between the two factions.
There's no denying that the climate is changing.
There being no further objections, the motion was passed.
Should there be any changes, we will notify you immediately.
There lived an old fisherman by the sea.
There is but one path to true enlightenment.
Leicht verwechselbar
Learners use 'It' to introduce new things because their native language uses one word for both.
In fast speech, 'There are' and 'They are' can sound similar.
Many languages (like Spanish or Chinese) use the verb 'to have' for existence.
Häufige Fehler
It is a book on the table.
There is a book on the table.
There is two cats.
There are two cats.
Is a park near here?
Is there a park near here?
There are no some chairs.
There are no chairs. / There aren't any chairs.
There was many people.
There were many people.
There is not some milk.
There isn't any milk.
Will be a party?
Will there be a party?
There has been many changes.
There have been many changes.
There is no point to go.
There is no point in going.
I think that there's a lot of problems.
I think that there are a lot of problems.
There remains some issues.
There remain some issues.
Satzmuster
There is a ___ in the ___.
There seems to be a ___ with ___.
Is there any ___ left?
There has been a lot of ___ lately.
Real World Usage
Is there a washing machine in the apartment?
There seems to be a bug in the latest update.
There were several instances where I had to lead the team.
Are there any nuts in this dish?
There's a new trend going around on TikTok.
There has been an accident! Is there a doctor here?
Verb-Nomen-Übereinstimmung ist der Schlüssel
Are there any vegan options?– nicht 'Is there any vegan options?' Das ist der häufigste Fehler, also sei hier besonders aufmerksam!
'There' nicht verwechseln
The book is over there.
Kontraktionen nutzen
Kontext ist alles
There is a meeting at 3 PM.vs. 'A meeting exists at 3 PM.' Wähl weise, je nachdem, mit wem du sprichst!
Passive Einführung
There was an accident on the highway.(nicht 'An accident happened on the highway.')
Nicht zu oft verwenden
There are many students who like this topic.sag lieber
Many students like this topic.
Smart Tips
Use 'There seems to be' instead of 'You have'.
Start with 'There was' to paint a picture for the reader.
Just match the verb to the very first noun you say.
Always use 'any' in the question.
Aussprache
The 'There's' Contraction
In natural speech, 'There is' is almost always contracted to 'There's'. The 's' sounds like a /z/.
Linking 'There are'
When saying 'There are', the 'r' in 'there' is often pronounced to link with the 'a' in 'are'.
Rising Intonation for Questions
Is there a ↗️ problem?
Conveys a genuine inquiry or concern.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
T-H-E-R-E: To Highlight Everything Recently Entered.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a stage curtain opening. 'There is' is the person pulling the curtain to show you what is on the stage. The curtain itself isn't the star; the thing behind it is.
Rhyme
If it's one, 'There is' is done. If it's more, 'There are' is the door.
Story
A traveler arrives in a new city. First, they see 'There is a hotel'. Then they notice 'There are many shops'. Finally, they realize 'There has been a festival' because of the decorations.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Look around your room right now. List 5 things using 'There is' and 5 things using 'There are'. Then, turn them into questions.
Kulturelle Hinweise
Using 'There seems to be...' is a common cultural 'softener'. English speakers often avoid direct confrontation by blaming the existence of a problem rather than the person.
In some dialects, you might hear 'There's' used for everything, regardless of plurality, even more frequently than in standard English.
Existential 'there' is used to maintain an objective, impersonal tone in research papers.
The use of 'there' as a dummy subject dates back to Old English (þær), where it was already used to introduce sentences where the subject was delayed.
Gesprächseinstiege
Is there anything you would change about your city?
Are there any traditions in your country that outsiders might find strange?
Is there a book or movie that changed your life?
Tagebuch-Impulse
Häufige Fehler
Test Yourself
___ a lot of cars on the road today.
Find and fix the mistake:
There is three main points in her argument.
Wähle den korrekten Satz:
Score: /3
Ubungsaufgaben
8 exercises_______ many reasons why I love this city.
How should you mention a possible error?
Find and fix the mistake:
In the fridge it is some milk.
A storm is coming.
1. Is there any coffee? 2. Are there any cookies?
A: Excuse me, _______ a bank near here? B: Yes, _______ one just around the corner.
Select the existential use.
Present Perfect form:
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesIn my hometown, ___ a beautiful park near the river.
Before the invention of phones, ___ no instant communication.
There was many opportunities for growth in that company.
It is a problem with the Wi-Fi.
Wähle den korrekten Satz:
Wähle den korrekten Satz:
Übersetze ins Englische: 'Habrá un examen la próxima semana.'
Übersetze ins Englische: 'No hay ninguna duda.'
Bringe diese Wörter in eine Satzreihenfolge:
Bringe diese Wörter in eine Satzreihenfolge:
Ordne die Situationen der korrekten existenziellen 'there'-Form zu:
Ordne die Satzanfänge den korrekten Endungen zu:
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
In informal spoken English, yes. People often say `There's three people`. However, in formal writing or exams, you must use `There are` for plural nouns.
Use `There is` to introduce something new (`There is a cat`). Use `It is` to describe something we already know about (`It is a black cat`).
The verb usually agrees with the first item. `There is a pen and two books` is common. If the first item is plural, use are: `There are two books and a pen`.
Yes, in formal or literary English, you can use verbs like `exist`, `remain`, `seem`, or `appear`. Example: `There remains one final question.`
Grammatically, it acts as the subject (the 'dummy subject'), but the 'real' or 'logical' subject is the noun that follows the verb.
Put 'will' before 'there'. Example: `Will there be any food at the party?`
`There is no...` is slightly more emphatic and common in formal writing. Both are correct.
No. Use `There has been` for singular/uncountable and `There have been` for plural. Example: `There has been a change` vs `There have been changes`.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Hay
English requires subject-verb agreement (is/are), whereas 'Hay' is invariant.
Il y a
French uses the verb 'to have' (avoir), while English uses 'to be'.
Es gibt
The German structure uses 'It' as the subject and 'gives' as the verb, which is very different from English.
あります (arimasu) / います (imasu)
English distinguishes by number (singular/plural), while Japanese distinguishes by 'aliveness'.
هناك (hunāka)
In Arabic, the verb 'to be' is often omitted in the present tense.
有 (yǒu)
Chinese does not use a placeholder like 'there'; the verb 'have' starts the sentence.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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Grammar Lesson. How to make Sentences in English. Word Order in English.
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