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B1 Verb (Hilfsverb / Vollverb) #12 most common 15 min read

ist

Top 12

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ist in 30 Seconds

Explanation ist in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'ist' is one of the first words you learn. It is introduced as the 3rd person singular of 'sein'. Students learn to use it for basic identification: 'Das ist ein Tisch' (That is a table), 'Das ist meine Mutter' (That is my mother). It is also used for simple descriptions of people and things: 'Er ist groß' (He is tall), 'Das Auto ist rot' (The car is red). At this stage, the focus is on the present tense and the fact that 'ist' connects a subject to a noun or adjective. Learners also learn to form simple questions by swapping the subject and the verb: 'Ist das ein Apfel?' (Is that an apple?). The concept of the nominative case is introduced here, showing that 'ist' doesn't change the ending of the following noun in the same way other verbs might. It is the 'equals sign' of the language, essential for building the most basic sentences. Learners are taught to distinguish 'ist' (singular) from 'sind' (plural) to ensure basic subject-verb agreement. The goal is to enable the student to describe their immediate environment and provide personal information.

At the A2 level, the use of 'ist' expands to include location and more complex descriptions. Learners use 'ist' with prepositional phrases to say where someone or something is: 'Er ist im Supermarkt' (He is in the supermarket), 'Das Buch ist auf dem Regal' (The book is on the shelf). The use of 'ist' in impersonal expressions about the weather and time becomes more frequent: 'Es ist sonnig' (It is sunny), 'Es ist drei Uhr' (It is three o'clock). A2 also introduces the 'Perfekt' tense, where 'ist' serves as an auxiliary verb for verbs of movement and change of state. For example, 'Er ist nach Berlin gefahren' (He went/has traveled to Berlin). This is a major step, as learners must now decide between 'haben' and 'sein' as auxiliaries. The focus is on recognizing that 'ist' is not just a 'being' verb but also a 'helper' verb that builds past tense meanings. Learners also start to use 'ist' in simple subordinate clauses, noticing that it moves to the end: 'Ich weiß, dass er hier ist' (I know that he is here).

At the B1 level, 'ist' is used in more nuanced ways. Learners are expected to master the 'Zustandspassiv' (statal passive), which uses 'ist' to describe a completed state: 'Die Tür ist abgeschlossen' (The door is locked). This is contrasted with the 'Vorgangspassiv' (wird abgeschlossen). B1 learners also use 'ist' in more complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and more sophisticated subordinate clauses. The use of 'ist' in idiomatic expressions becomes more common, such as 'Das ist mir egal' (I don't care) or 'Das ist schade' (That's a pity). The auxiliary use of 'ist' in the Perfekt is now expected to be automatic for common verbs of movement. Learners also begin to see 'ist' used in more abstract contexts, describing feelings or social situations: 'Die Stimmung ist gut' (The mood is good). The focus at B1 is on using 'ist' to provide more detailed information and to navigate daily life in Germany with greater fluency and accuracy in word order.

At the B2 level, 'ist' is used to express abstract concepts and formal definitions. Learners encounter 'ist' in academic texts and news reports where it establishes facts and theories. The 'sein + zu + Infinitiv' construction is introduced as a way to express necessity or possibility in a formal way: 'Die Hausaufgabe ist bis morgen zu erledigen' (The homework is to be completed by tomorrow). This adds a layer of formal sophistication to the learner's repertoire. B2 learners are also expected to handle 'ist' correctly in very long, complex sentences with multiple clauses, maintaining the correct verb-end position in subordinate structures. They also learn to use 'ist' in more specific idioms and proverbs that require a deeper cultural understanding. The distinction between 'ist' and its more precise alternatives like 'befindet sich' or 'stellt dar' becomes a point of focus, helping the learner move away from repetitive use of 'sein' toward a more varied and professional vocabulary.

At the C1 level, the use of 'ist' reaches a high level of stylistic flexibility. Learners study the use of 'ist' in literary and philosophical contexts, where it can carry profound ontological weight. They explore the nuances of the 'Zustandspassiv' in complex technical descriptions. The 'sein + zu' construction is used fluently in professional writing. C1 learners also analyze how 'ist' can be used for emphasis through varied word order: 'Schön ist das nicht' (That is not beautiful - emphasizing 'Schön'). They are aware of the subtle differences between 'ist' and other copular verbs in various registers. The focus is on precision and style, ensuring that 'ist' is used not just correctly, but effectively to convey the intended tone and emphasis. Learners also explore the historical development of the verb 'sein' and its irregular forms, gaining a deeper appreciation for the language's structure. They can discuss complex topics where 'ist' defines the very nature of the subject matter.

At the C2 level, the learner has a near-native command of 'ist' in all its forms and functions. This includes archaic or poetic uses found in classical German literature (e.g., Goethe, Schiller). They can use 'ist' in highly sophisticated rhetorical structures. The learner understands the dialectal variations of 'ist' across the German-speaking world and can identify them in speech. They can use 'ist' to create subtle irony or double meanings in complex discourse. At this level, 'ist' is no longer a grammar point to be learned but a versatile tool for masterful communication. The learner can switch between formal academic 'ist' constructions and casual, idiomatic uses with ease. They can also discuss the linguistics of the verb 'sein' at an expert level, including its role in the development of the Germanic languages. The mastery of 'ist' at C2 reflects a complete integration into the German language and culture, where the word is used with the same instinctive precision as a native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ist in 30 Seconds

'Ist' is the German equivalent of 'is', used for the third person singular (he, she, it).
It functions as a copula to link subjects with adjectives, nouns, or locations.
It serves as an auxiliary verb for the past tense of verbs involving movement or state change.
It is essential for basic identification, descriptions, and impersonal expressions like weather and time.

The German word ist is arguably the most fundamental building block of the German language. It is the third-person singular present tense form of the irregular verb 'sein', which translates to 'to be' in English. In its most basic function, it acts as a copula—a linguistic bridge that connects the subject of a sentence to a predicate. This predicate can be a noun, an adjective, or a prepositional phrase, serving to identify the subject, describe its characteristics, or state its location. For English speakers, 'ist' is a direct cognate of the English word 'is', sharing the same Proto-Indo-European roots. This makes it intuitively easy to grasp at a basic level, yet its usage spans from the simplest identification of objects to the most complex philosophical inquiries into the nature of existence.

Identity and Definition: When you want to say what something is, you use 'ist'. For example, 'Das ist ein Buch' (That is a book). It functions like an equals sign in mathematics, establishing that the subject and the predicate refer to the same entity.

Beyond simple identification, 'ist' is the primary tool for attribution. When we describe the world around us, we use 'ist' to attach qualities to things. 'Der Himmel ist blau' (The sky is blue) or 'Der Kaffee ist heiß' (The coffee is hot). In these instances, 'ist' does not mean the sky 'equals' blue, but rather that the sky possesses the quality of blueness. This distinction is crucial in understanding how German speakers categorize the world.

Berlin ist die Hauptstadt von Deutschland.

In addition to its role as a full verb (Vollverb), 'ist' serves as a vital auxiliary verb (Hilfsverb). In the German 'Perfekt' tense (the conversational past), 'ist' is used with intransitive verbs that indicate a change of place or a change of state. While English uses 'has' for almost all past tense constructions (e.g., 'He has gone'), German distinguishes between 'haben' and 'sein'. Therefore, you say 'Er ist gegangen' (He is/has gone) because 'gehen' involves movement from point A to point B. This dual role makes 'ist' omnipresent in both descriptive and narrative German. Furthermore, 'ist' is used in many impersonal expressions that set the scene or describe general conditions. 'Es ist kalt' (It is cold), 'Es ist spät' (It is late), or 'Es ist wahr' (It is true). In these cases, the subject 'es' (it) is a placeholder, and 'ist' provides the state of being for the entire context. This is identical to English usage, making it one of the most natural transitions for learners.

Mathematical and Logical Truths: In mathematics, 'ist' is used to express results: 'Zwei plus zwei ist vier'. In logic, it establishes categorical relationships: 'Ein Hund ist ein Säugetier' (A dog is a mammal).

Es ist wichtig, jeden Tag zu üben.

Finally, 'ist' appears in various fixed idioms and proverbs that reflect German culture and wisdom. For instance, 'Aller Anfang ist schwer' (Every beginning is difficult). Here, 'ist' provides the definitive weight of a universal truth. Whether you are ordering food ('Das ist alles, danke'), asking for directions ('Wo ist der Bahnhof?'), or discussing philosophy ('Was ist der Sinn des Lebens?'), the word 'ist' is your most reliable companion. It is the anchor of the German sentence, providing the essential link between what we are talking about and what we want to say about it.

Das ist mir egal.

Existence: At its most profound, 'ist' denotes existence itself. 'Gott ist' (God is/exists). While 'existiert' is more specific, 'ist' carries a weight of ontological simplicity.

Wer ist an der Tür?

Using ist correctly requires an understanding of German sentence structure, specifically the Verb-Second (V2) rule and the concept of the predicative nominative. In a standard declarative sentence, 'ist' almost always occupies the second position. This doesn't mean it is the second word, but rather the second grammatical element. For example, in 'Mein alter Vater ist heute müde' (My old father is tired today), the entire phrase 'Mein alter Vater' is the first element, and 'ist' follows immediately.

The Predicative Nominative: Unlike most verbs that take an accusative object, 'sein' (and thus 'ist') takes a nominative complement. If you say 'Er ist ein Lehrer', both 'Er' and 'ein Lehrer' are in the nominative case. This is a common pitfall for learners who are used to the subject-verb-object pattern where the object is usually in the accusative.

When forming questions, 'ist' often moves to the first position. This is known as inversion. 'Ist er zu Hause?' (Is he at home?). If there is an interrogative word (W-word) like 'wer', 'was', or 'wo', 'ist' still takes the second position: 'Wo ist mein Schlüssel?' (Where is my key?). This consistency in positioning makes 'ist' a very predictable part of German syntax once the basic rules are internalized.

Heute ist ein schöner Tag für einen Spaziergang.

In subordinate clauses (sentences starting with 'weil', 'dass', 'obwohl', etc.), the verb 'ist' moves to the very end of the clause. This is one of the most distinctive features of German grammar. For example: 'Ich weiß, dass er krank ist' (I know that he is sick). Notice how 'ist' is pushed to the final position, following the adjective 'krank'. This requires the speaker to hold the entire thought in their head before completing the sentence with the verb. When 'ist' is used as an auxiliary verb in the Perfekt tense, it works in tandem with a past participle (Partizip II). The 'ist' stays in the second position, while the participle goes to the end of the sentence. 'Er ist nach Hause gelaufen' (He has run home). This structure creates a 'sentence bracket' (Satzklammer) that encloses other information like time and place. This is a fundamental pattern in German narrative.

The 'Sein + zu' Construction: At more advanced levels, 'ist' is used with 'zu' and an infinitive to express necessity or possibility. 'Das ist zu machen' means 'That is to be done' or 'That can be done'. This is a passive-like construction that is very common in formal and academic German.

Die Tür ist geschlossen.

Another important use is the 'Zustandspassiv' (statal passive). This describes a state resulting from a previous action. 'Das Fenster ist geöffnet' (The window is opened/in an open state). This differs from the 'Vorgangspassiv' ('Das Fenster wird geöffnet' - The window is being opened), which focuses on the action itself. Understanding when to use 'ist' versus 'wird' is a key milestone in reaching B1/B2 proficiency.

Es ist noch kein Meister vom Himmel gefallen.

Emphasis and Word Order: German allows for flexible word order to emphasize different parts of the sentence. You can say 'Müde ist er heute' (Tired is he today) to emphasize the state of being tired. 'Ist' remains in the second position, but the adjective moves to the front.

Was ist das für ein Geräusch?

You will hear the word ist in every conceivable context of German life, from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep. It is the linguistic air that Germans breathe. In the morning, you might hear a family member say, 'Das Frühstück ist fertig' (Breakfast is ready). On the news, the anchor might begin with 'Heute ist der zehnte Mai' (Today is the tenth of May). In a professional setting, a colleague might state, 'Das Projekt ist fast abgeschlossen' (The project is almost finished). Its frequency is so high that it often becomes a background sound, yet it carries the essential information of every statement.

Public Announcements: At train stations, you will constantly hear: 'Der Zug nach München ist heute zehn Minuten verspätet' (The train to Munich is ten minutes late today). Here, 'ist' is used to convey critical travel information.

In the realm of media and entertainment, 'ist' is ubiquitous. Movie titles often use it to establish a premise: 'Das Leben ist schön' (Life is beautiful). In songs, it provides the rhythm of emotional expression. Whether it's a pop song about love ('Du bist alles, was ich brauche' - though that's 'bist', the concept is the same) or a rap song about reality, 'ist' is the connector. In documentaries, it is used to state facts: 'Der Rhein ist der längste Fluss in Deutschland' (The Rhine is the longest river in Germany).

Der Kunde ist König.

In social interactions, 'ist' is used for introductions and social navigation. 'Das ist meine Freundin Sarah' (This is my friend Sarah). 'Ist dieser Platz noch frei?' (Is this seat still free?). In restaurants, you use it to comment on the food: 'Das Schnitzel ist sehr lecker' (The schnitzel is very tasty). It is also the word used to ask for the bill: 'Wo ist die Rechnung?' or to clarify a price: 'Wie viel ist das?'. Academic and scientific discourse would be impossible without 'ist'. It is the language of definitions. 'Ein Atom ist der kleinste Baustein der Materie' (An atom is the smallest building block of matter). In philosophy, it is the central verb of ontology. 'Sein ist das, was ist' (Being is that which is). From the most mundane observation to the highest intellectual pursuit, 'ist' provides the framework for German thought.

Weather and Environment: Germans love talking about the weather, and 'ist' is the star: 'Es ist sonnig', 'Es ist windig', 'Es ist bewölkt'. It sets the stage for every outdoor activity.

Die Zeit ist um.

In literature, 'ist' is used to build worlds and describe characters. 'Er ist ein einsamer Mann' (He is a lonely man). It establishes the 'state of the world' in a narrative. Even in fairy tales, it appears early on: 'Es war einmal...' (Once upon a time... - using the past tense of 'ist'). In modern digital life, you see it on your phone: 'Der Akku ist fast leer' (The battery is almost empty) or 'Die Nachricht ist gesendet' (The message is sent).

Das ist doch Wahnsinn!

Sports Commentary: 'Der Ball ist im Tor!' (The ball is in the goal!). Sports announcers use 'ist' to describe the immediate reality of the game, providing instant updates to the audience.

Ende gut, alles gut.

Despite its simplicity, ist is the source of several common errors for English speakers. The most frequent mistake is the confusion between 'ist' (is) and 'isst' (eats). Because they are homophones (pronounced exactly the same), learners often mix them up in writing. 'Er ist ein Apfel' means 'He is an apple', whereas 'Er isst einen Apfel' means 'He is eating an apple'. This can lead to hilarious or confusing situations. Always double-check the context: are you describing what someone *is* or what they are *consuming*?

The Case Confusion: As mentioned before, 'ist' requires the nominative case. English speakers often want to use the accusative for the object, especially with pronouns. In English, we say 'It is me' (accusative/objective). In German, you must say 'Das bin ich' (nominative). For the third person: 'Das ist er' (That is he), not 'Das ist ihn'.

Another major hurdle is the choice of auxiliary verb in the Perfekt tense. English speakers are used to using 'have' for everything. They might say 'Ich habe gegangen' (incorrect) instead of 'Ich bin gegangen' (I have gone/I am gone). Remember that 'ist' (as a form of 'sein') is used for verbs of movement (gehen, kommen, fahren, laufen) and verbs of state change (aufwachen, sterben, werden). If there is no direct object and the verb implies a change in location or condition, 'ist' is likely the correct auxiliary.

Falsch: Er ist einen Lehrer. Richtig: Er ist ein Lehrer.

Word order in subordinate clauses is another area where 'ist' frequently ends up in the wrong place. Learners often place 'ist' in the second position of a 'dass' or 'weil' clause, following the English pattern. 'Ich glaube, dass er ist müde' is incorrect. The correct form is 'Ich glaube, dass er müde ist'. The verb must migrate to the very end. This requires a mental shift in how you construct sentences. Learners also struggle with the 'Zustandspassiv' (state passive) versus the 'Vorgangspassiv' (process passive). Saying 'Die Tür ist geschlossen' means the door is already in a closed state. If you want to say someone is currently closing the door, you must use 'wird': 'Die Tür wird geschlossen'. Confusing these two can change the meaning of your sentence from describing a result to describing an action.

Agreement Errors: Sometimes learners use 'ist' for plural subjects, influenced by dialects or simply by mistake. 'Die Kinder ist hier' is wrong; it must be 'Die Kinder sind hier'. 'Ist' is strictly for 'er', 'sie', 'es', or singular nouns like 'der Hund' or 'das Haus'.

Falsch: Wo ist meine Schuhe? Richtig: Wo sind meine Schuhe?

Finally, there is the 'es ist' vs. 'es gibt' confusion. English uses 'there is' for both existence and location. German distinguishes between them. 'Es gibt' (there is/there exists) is used for general existence: 'Es gibt viele Probleme'. 'Ist' is used for specific location or state: 'Das Problem ist hier'. Using 'ist' when you should use 'gibt' is a very common marker of a non-native speaker.

Es ist ein Unterschied zwischen 'sein' und 'haben'.

While ist is the most common way to express being, the German language offers several more precise alternatives depending on the context. Using these can make your German sound more sophisticated and nuanced. For instance, when describing a location, instead of 'Das Buch ist auf dem Tisch', you could use 'Das Buch liegt auf dem Tisch' (The book is lying on the table). German often prefers verbs that describe the physical position (stehen, liegen, sitzen, hängen) over the generic 'ist'.

ist vs. befindet sich: 'Befindet sich' is a more formal way to say 'is located'. Instead of 'Das Museum ist in der Stadtmitte', you might read in a guidebook: 'Das Museum befindet sich in der Stadtmitte'. It sounds more professional and precise.

Another important alternative is 'bleibt' (remains). While 'ist' describes a current state, 'bleibt' emphasizes that the state is continuing. 'Das Wetter ist gut' (The weather is good) vs. 'Das Wetter bleibt gut' (The weather is staying good). This adds a temporal dimension that 'ist' lacks. Similarly, 'wird' (becomes) describes a change into a state: 'Es ist dunkel' (It is dark) vs. 'Es wird dunkel' (It is getting dark).

Er scheint heute sehr glücklich zu sein.

'Scheint' (seems) is used when you are not 100% sure about a state. 'Er ist müde' is a fact; 'Er scheint müde' is an observation. This is a vital distinction in nuanced conversation. Another alternative is 'heißt' (is called/means). While you can say 'Mein Name ist Max', it is more common to say 'Ich heiße Max'. In definitions, 'Das heißt...' (That means...) is used to clarify a point, where 'ist' might be too blunt. In the context of existence, 'existiert' is the direct equivalent of 'exists'. 'Gott ist' is poetic, but 'Gott existiert' is a philosophical proposition. For events, 'findet statt' (takes place) is often better than 'ist'. 'Die Party ist am Samstag' is fine, but 'Die Party findet am Samstag statt' sounds more complete.

ist vs. stellt ... dar: 'Stellt dar' is used when something 'constitutes' or 'represents' something else. 'Sein Verhalten ist eine Provokation' (His behavior is a provocation) vs. 'Sein Verhalten stellt eine Provokation dar'. The latter is more formal.

Das entspricht nicht der Wahrheit.

'Entspricht' (corresponds to) can replace 'ist' when comparing things or checking facts. 'Das ist nicht wahr' vs. 'Das entspricht nicht der Wahrheit'. The latter is common in legal or official contexts. Finally, 'bedeutet' (means) is used when one thing signifies another. 'Das ist das Ende' vs. 'Das bedeutet das Ende'. 'Bedeutet' implies a deeper consequence.

Die Sitzung findet im Konferenzraum statt.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Die gegenwärtige Situation ist äußerst komplex."

Neutral

"Der Termin ist am Dienstag."

Informal

"Das ist echt cool!"

Child friendly

"Der Teddybär ist weich."

Slang

"Das ist ja mal voll krass."

Fun Fact

The verb 'sein' is highly irregular because it is 'suppletive', meaning its forms come from three different original roots (*es-, *bhu-, *wes-). 'Ist' comes from the *es- root.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɪst/

US /ɪst/

The stress is on the only syllable.

Rhymes With

Bist Mist Frist List Christ Zwist Misst Pisst

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'eest' (long 'i').
Dropping the final 't' in formal speech (though common in dialects).
Pronouncing the 's' as a 'z' (like in English 'is'). In German, the 's' in 'ist' is unvoiced.
Confusing the spelling with 'isst' (though pronunciation is the same).
Over-emphasizing the 't' so it sounds like a separate syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it's a cognate of 'is'.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but watch out for the 'ist' vs 'isst' spelling.

Speaking 1/5

Simple to pronounce, though the final 't' is important.

Listening 2/5

Can be very short and clipped in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ich du er/sie/es ein/eine nicht

Learn Next

sind bin war haben werden

Advanced

Zustandspassiv Gerundivum (sein + zu) Konjunktiv II von sein (wäre) Ontologie

Grammar to Know

Verb-Second (V2) Position

Heute ist das Wetter schön.

Predicative Nominative

Er ist ein guter Fahrer (both in nominative).

Verb-End in Subordinate Clauses

Ich glaube, dass er krank ist.

Auxiliary for Perfekt (Movement/State Change)

Der Gast ist angekommen.

Sein + zu + Infinitiv

Das ist nicht zu ändern.

Examples by Level

Das ist ein Apfel.

That is an apple.

Simple identification using 'ist' and a nominative noun.

Er ist mein Bruder.

He is my brother.

Using 'ist' to describe a family relationship.

Der Kaffee ist heiß.

The coffee is hot.

Using 'ist' with an adjective to describe a state.

Wo ist das Hotel?

Where is the hotel?

A question using 'ist' to ask for a location.

Es ist acht Uhr.

It is eight o'clock.

Using 'ist' in an impersonal expression for time.

Das ist nicht teuer.

That is not expensive.

Negation of 'ist' using 'nicht'.

Wer ist das?

Who is that?

A question asking for the identity of a person.

Sie ist Lehrerin.

She is a teacher.

Using 'ist' to state a profession (no article used for professions).

Er ist gestern nach Berlin gefahren.

He traveled to Berlin yesterday.

Using 'ist' as an auxiliary verb in the Perfekt tense for movement.

Das Wetter ist heute sehr schön.

The weather is very beautiful today.

Describing the weather using 'ist'.

Meine Brille ist im Auto.

My glasses are in the car.

Using 'ist' with a prepositional phrase for location.

Ich bin froh, dass er hier ist.

I am glad that he is here.

Word order in a subordinate clause: 'ist' goes to the end.

Ist das dein Ernst?

Are you serious? (lit. Is that your seriousness?)

A common idiomatic question using 'ist'.

Das ist ein schönes Haus, oder?

That is a beautiful house, isn't it?

Using 'ist' in a statement with a tag question.

Der Film ist um 20 Uhr zu Ende.

The movie is over at 8 PM.

Using 'ist' to indicate the end of an event.

Es ist wichtig, viel Wasser zu trinken.

It is important to drink a lot of water.

Impersonal 'es ist' followed by an infinitive construction.

Die Tür ist bereits abgeschlossen.

The door is already locked.

The 'Zustandspassiv' (statal passive) describing a state.

Es ist mir egal, was die anderen denken.

I don't care what the others think.

Idiomatic expression 'es ist mir egal'.

Das ist eine gute Gelegenheit, Deutsch zu sprechen.

That is a good opportunity to speak German.

Using 'ist' to define a situation or opportunity.

Er ist plötzlich krank geworden.

He suddenly became ill.

Perfekt tense of 'werden' (to become) using 'ist' as auxiliary.

Es ist schade, dass du nicht kommen kannst.

It's a pity that you can't come.

Impersonal expression of regret.

Das ist genau das, was ich meinte.

That is exactly what I meant.

Using 'ist' to confirm a previous statement.

Der Brief ist gestern angekommen.

The letter arrived yesterday.

Perfekt tense of 'ankommen' (to arrive) with 'ist'.

Ist es möglich, den Termin zu verschieben?

Is it possible to postpone the appointment?

Polite inquiry using 'ist es möglich'.

Die Ursache des Problems ist noch unklar.

The cause of the problem is still unclear.

Formal description of an abstract state.

Das ist darauf zurückzuführen, dass...

That is due to the fact that...

Formal expression of causality using 'ist'.

Diese Aufgabe ist bis Freitag zu erledigen.

This task is to be completed by Friday.

The 'sein + zu + Infinitiv' construction expressing necessity.

Es ist offensichtlich, dass sich etwas ändern muss.

It is obvious that something must change.

Impersonal expression of an obvious fact.

Das ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil unserer Strategie.

That is an essential part of our strategy.

Using 'ist' in a professional/business context.

Wer ist für diesen Fehler verantwortlich?

Who is responsible for this mistake?

Asking for accountability using 'ist'.

Das ist ein Thema, das sehr kontrovers ist.

That is a topic that is very controversial.

Relative clause with 'ist' at the end.

Es ist fraglich, ob dieser Plan funktionieren wird.

It is questionable whether this plan will work.

Expressing doubt with 'es ist fraglich'.

Die Komplexität der Materie ist kaum zu überschätzen.

The complexity of the matter can hardly be overestimated.

Formal 'sein + zu' construction in an academic context.

Es ist unbestritten, dass der Klimawandel real ist.

It is undisputed that climate change is real.

Using 'ist' to state a widely accepted fact.

Das ist ein klassisches Beispiel für eine Fehlinterpretation.

That is a classic example of a misinterpretation.

Categorizing a phenomenon using 'ist'.

Inwiefern ist diese Aussage wissenschaftlich fundiert?

To what extent is this statement scientifically sound?

Complex question structure in academic discourse.

Das ist eine Herausforderung, der wir gewachsen sind.

That is a challenge that we are equal to.

Relative clause with a dative complement.

Es ist bemerkenswert, wie schnell sich die Technik entwickelt.

It is remarkable how quickly technology is developing.

Impersonal expression of observation.

Das ist im Grunde genommen dasselbe.

That is basically the same thing.

Using 'ist' with an adverbial phrase for nuance.

Wahrheit ist ein dehnbarer Begriff.

Truth is a flexible concept.

Abstract philosophical definition.

Sein oder Nichtsein, das ist hier die Frage.

To be or not to be, that is the question.

The most famous use of 'ist' in world literature.

Das ist die Quintessenz seiner gesamten Philosophie.

That is the quintessence of his entire philosophy.

Using highly sophisticated vocabulary with 'ist'.

Es ist unumgänglich, die Konsequenzen zu tragen.

It is unavoidable to bear the consequences.

Formal impersonal expression of necessity.

Das ist ein Zeugnis seiner unermüdlichen Arbeit.

That is a testament to his tireless work.

Using 'ist' to attribute a symbolic meaning.

In der Ruhe liegt die Kraft, so ist es nun mal.

In calmness lies strength, that's just how it is.

Using 'ist' to affirm a proverb or universal truth.

Das ist ein eklatanter Widerspruch in sich.

That is a glaring contradiction in itself.

Formal logical critique using 'ist'.

Es ist an der Zeit, neue Wege zu beschreiten.

It is time to tread new paths.

Idiomatic expression for taking a new direction.

Was ist der Mensch, dass du seiner gedenkst?

What is man that thou art mindful of him?

Biblical/archaic use of 'ist' in a rhetorical question.

Common Collocations

Es ist wahr

Das ist alles

Wer ist das?

Es ist spät

Das ist wichtig

Wo ist...?

Es ist kalt

Das ist möglich

Was ist los?

Das ist klar

Common Phrases

Das ist mir egal.

— I don't care. It doesn't matter to me.

Welche Farbe wir wählen, ist mir egal.

Das ist schade.

— That's a pity. That's too bad.

Du kannst nicht kommen? Das ist schade.

Das ist prima.

— That's great. That's excellent.

Du hast die Prüfung bestanden? Das ist prima!

Das ist alles.

— That's all. That's everything.

Ein Kaffee, bitte. Das ist alles.

Das ist sicher.

— That's for sure. That's certain.

Er wird kommen, das ist sicher.

Wie spät ist es?

— What time is it?

Entschuldigung, wie spät ist es?

Das ist wahr.

— That's true.

Du hast recht, das ist wahr.

Das ist genug.

— That's enough.

Hör auf zu schreien, das ist genug!

Das ist Wahnsinn.

— That's crazy. That's madness.

Drei Stunden im Stau? Das ist Wahnsinn!

Das ist unmöglich.

— That's impossible.

In fünf Minuten dort sein? Das ist unmöglich.

Often Confused With

ist vs isst

Pronounced the same, but 'isst' means 'eats'. Check the context!

ist vs sind

Plural form. Use 'ist' for one person/thing, 'sind' for many.

ist vs es gibt

Use 'es gibt' for general existence, 'ist' for specific location/state.

Idioms & Expressions

"Das ist mir Wurst."

— I don't care (lit. That is sausage to me).

Ob wir Pizza oder Pasta essen, ist mir Wurst.

informal

"Aller Anfang ist schwer."

— Every beginning is difficult.

Lernst du Geige? Kopf hoch, aller Anfang ist schwer.

neutral

"Das ist nicht mein Bier."

— That's not my business/problem.

Was er mit seinem Geld macht, ist nicht mein Bier.

informal

"Es ist noch kein Meister vom Himmel gefallen."

— No one is born a master (practice makes perfect).

Du machst Fehler, aber es ist noch kein Meister vom Himmel gefallen.

neutral

"Das ist Schnee von gestern."

— That's old news / water under the bridge.

Unser Streit vom letzten Jahr ist Schnee von gestern.

informal

"Das ist der springende Punkt."

— That's the heart of the matter / the main point.

Genau das ist der springende Punkt in unserer Diskussion.

neutral

"Das ist Jacke wie Hose."

— It's all the same / six of one, half a dozen of the other.

Ob wir links oder rechts gehen, ist Jacke wie Hose.

informal

"Da ist Hopfen und Malz verloren."

— It's a lost cause (lit. Hop and malt are lost).

Er will nicht lernen. Da ist Hopfen und Malz verloren.

informal

"Das ist ein alter Hut."

— That's an old story / nothing new.

Diese Nachricht ist ein alter Hut.

informal

"Ende gut, alles gut."

— All's well that ends well.

Wir hatten Probleme, aber jetzt ist alles fertig. Ende gut, alles gut.

neutral

Easily Confused

ist vs isst

Homophones (sound the same).

'Ist' comes from 'sein' (to be). 'Isst' comes from 'essen' (to eat).

Er ist Koch (He is a cook) vs. Er isst Fisch (He eats fish).

ist vs wird

Both describe states.

'Ist' is a current state. 'Wird' is a change into a state (becoming).

Es ist kalt (It is cold) vs. Es wird kalt (It is getting cold).

ist vs bleibt

Both describe being.

'Ist' is neutral. 'Bleibt' emphasizes that the state doesn't change.

Er ist hier (He is here) vs. Er bleibt hier (He is staying here).

ist vs scheint

Both describe appearances.

'Ist' is a fact. 'Scheint' is an impression or appearance.

Er ist müde (He is tired) vs. Er scheint müde (He seems tired).

ist vs heißt

Both used for identification.

'Ist' is generic. 'Heißt' is specifically for names or meanings.

Das ist Max vs. Er heißt Max.

Sentence Patterns

[Subjekt] ist [Adjektiv].

Der Hund ist braun.

Das ist [Nomen].

Das ist ein Tisch.

[Subjekt] ist [Präpositionalphrase].

Sie ist in der Schule.

[Subjekt] ist [Partizip II].

Er ist nach Hause gegangen.

Es ist [Adjektiv], dass [Nebensatz].

Es ist wichtig, dass du lernst.

[Nomen] ist [Partizip II] (Zustandspassiv).

Das Fenster ist geputzt.

[Subjekt] ist [zu + Infinitiv].

Die Rechnung ist sofort zu bezahlen.

[Abstraktum] ist [Prädikatsnomen].

Freiheit ist die Abwesenheit von Zwang.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high (Top 5 most used words in German).

Common Mistakes

Er ist einen Lehrer. → Er ist ein Lehrer.
You used the accusative case ('einen') instead of the nominative case ('ein'). 'Ist' always takes the nominative.
Ich habe nach Hause gegangen. → Ich bin nach Hause gegangen.
You used 'haben' as an auxiliary verb for a verb of movement. Verbs like 'gehen' must use 'sein' (bin/ist) in the Perfekt tense.
Ich weiß, dass er ist hier. → Ich weiß, dass er hier ist.
In a 'dass' clause, the verb 'ist' must go to the very end of the sentence.
Die Kinder ist im Garten. → Die Kinder sind im Garten.
You used the singular 'ist' for a plural subject 'die Kinder'. Use 'sind' for plural subjects.
Er ist ein Apfel. → Er isst einen Apfel.
You confused 'ist' (is) with 'isst' (eats). Unless the person literally is an apple, you should use 'isst'.

Tips

Nominative Only

Always remember that 'ist' is like an equals sign. Whatever comes after it must be in the nominative case. Never use the accusative after 'ist'!

Ist vs. Isst

Double-check your spelling. If you mean 'is', use one 's'. If you mean 'eats', use two 's' and an 'i' (isst). They sound the same, so this is a common trap.

The Magnet Rule

Think of 'weil' and 'dass' as magnets that pull 'ist' to the very end of the sentence. Practice this until it becomes a habit.

Be Precise

As you get better, try replacing 'ist' with more specific verbs like 'liegt' (lies), 'steht' (stands), or 'befindet sich' (is located).

Listen for the 'T'

In fast speech, 'ist' can be very short. Listen for that final 't' sound to distinguish it from other words.

Use it as a Filler

You can use 'Das ist...' to give yourself a second to think of the next word in your sentence. It's a natural way to pause.

The Sausage Idiom

Learn 'Das ist mir Wurst'. It's a fun, native-sounding way to say you don't care about something.

Directness

Don't be afraid to state things clearly with 'ist'. Germans value clarity and directness in their descriptions.

Movement Verbs

Memorize that verbs of movement (go, run, drive) use 'ist' in the past tense, not 'hat'. This is a key difference from English.

Daily Descriptions

Every day, try to say three things about your surroundings using 'ist'. 'Der Himmel ist grau. Das Auto ist schnell. Das Essen ist gut.'

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the English word 'is' and just add a 't' at the end. 'Is + T = Ist'.

Visual Association

Imagine an equals sign (=) between two things. That equals sign is the word 'ist'.

Word Web

sein Identität Zustand Hilfsverb Nominativ Präsens Singular Kopula

Challenge

Try to describe five things in your room using only the word 'ist'. For example: 'Der Tisch ist braun. Die Lampe ist hell.'

Word Origin

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁ésti, which also gave rise to English 'is', Latin 'est', and Greek 'esti'.

Original meaning: To exist, to be, to sit.

Indo-European > Germanic > West Germanic > High German

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'ist' is used for defining people, so use it respectfully when describing identities.

English speakers must be careful not to use 'ist' for 'is' when 'is' is part of a continuous tense (e.g., 'He is running'). In German, you just say 'Er läuft'.

Sein oder Nichtsein (Hamlet, German translation) Gott ist tot (Friedrich Nietzsche) Das ist nicht meine Abteilung (Common bureaucratic cliché)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Introductions

Das ist mein Kollege.
Wer ist das?
Das ist Herr Müller.
Ist das deine Frau?

Weather

Es ist sonnig.
Es ist windig.
Es ist bewölkt.
Wie ist das Wetter?

Time

Es ist ein Uhr.
Es ist spät.
Wie spät ist es?
Es ist Zeit zu gehen.

Location

Wo ist der Bahnhof?
Er ist zu Hause.
Das Buch ist hier.
Ist der Platz frei?

Shopping

Wie teuer ist das?
Das ist im Angebot.
Wo ist die Kasse?
Das ist zu groß.

Conversation Starters

"Wie ist dein Name?"

"Wo ist dein Lieblingsort in dieser Stadt?"

"Ist das dein erstes Mal in Deutschland?"

"Was ist dein Lieblingsfilm?"

"Wie ist das Wetter heute bei dir?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe dein Zimmer. Was ist wo?

Wer ist die wichtigste Person in deinem Leben und warum?

Was ist dein größtes Ziel für dieses Jahr?

Wie ist deine aktuelle Stimmung heute?

Was ist das beste Essen, das du jemals gegessen hast?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You use 'ist' as an auxiliary verb in the Perfekt tense when the main verb indicates a change of position (like 'gehen' - to go) or a change of state (like 'aufwachen' - to wake up), and has no direct object. For example, 'Er ist gelaufen' (He ran) vs. 'Er hat einen Apfel gegessen' (He ate an apple).

Yes, 'ist' is a copular verb, which means it acts like an equals sign. Therefore, the noun following it must be in the nominative case. For example, 'Er ist ein guter Mann' (not 'einen guten Mann'). This is called the predicative nominative.

It is pronounced with a short 'i' (like in 'bit'), a sharp 's', and a clear 't'. It sounds very similar to the English word 'is' but with a 't' at the end. In some dialects, the 't' might be dropped, but in standard German (Hochdeutsch), you should pronounce it.

'Ist' (from 'sein') is used to describe a specific state, quality, or location of a known subject. 'Es gibt' is used to state that something exists in general. For example, 'Das Buch ist auf dem Tisch' (The book is on the table) vs. 'Es gibt viele Bücher in der Bibliothek' (There are many books in the library).

Yes, in subordinate clauses (sentences starting with words like 'dass', 'weil', 'obwohl'), the verb 'ist' must move to the very end. For example, 'Ich weiß nicht, wo er ist' (I don't know where he is).

This is a very common German idiom that literally translates to 'That is sausage to me'. It means 'I don't care' or 'It's all the same to me'. It is informal but widely used.

Yes, 'ist' is used in many impersonal weather expressions. 'Es ist sonnig' (It is sunny), 'Es ist kalt' (It is cold), 'Es ist windig' (It is windy). It's the standard way to describe the current weather conditions.

The 'Zustandspassiv' (statal passive) uses 'ist' + a past participle to describe a state that resulted from an action. For example, 'Die Tür ist geschlossen' means the door is in the state of being closed. This is different from 'Die Tür wird geschlossen', which means someone is currently closing it.

In German, you say 'Das bin ich'. You use the first-person form 'bin' because the subject 'ich' determines the verb form, and both are in the nominative case. For 'It is him', you say 'Das ist er'.

'Ist' is the most frequent form of the most important verb 'sein'. It is used for identity, description, location, time, weather, and as a helping verb for the past tense. Without 'ist', you cannot form even the simplest sentences in German.