Learn the difference between "Es gibt" and "sein" in German. "Es gibt" expresses existence or availability and uses the accusative case, while "sein" describes location or state. Understand when to use each to form accurate sentences about what exists and where or how things are. Examples include "Es gibt einen Garten" (There is a garden) and "Der Garten ist groß" (The garden is big). This lesson is ideal for A1 learners aiming to grasp basic German sentence structure and usage.
- If you want to express that something exists → es gibt
- When you want to express where or how something is → sein
| Ausdruck (expression) | Benutzung (Usage) | Beispiele (Examples) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| „Es gibt“ | Existenz / Verfügbarkeit (existence / availability) |
| |||
| „Sein“ | Ort / Zustand (Place / State) |
|
Exceptions!
- With "es gibt" the accusative case is always used.
Exercise 1: Multiple Choice
Instruction: Choose the correct solution
1. Es ___ ein Sofa im Wohnzimmer.
(There ___ a sofa in the living room.)2. Der Esstisch ___ neben dem Fenster.
(The dining table ___ next to the window.)3. Es ___ einen Schreibtisch im Zimmer.
(There ___ a desk in the room.)4. Das Bett ___ unter dem Fenster.
(The bed ___ under the window.)5. Es ___ drei Stühle im Esszimmer.
(There ___ three chairs in the dining room.)6. Der Schrank ___ neben der Tür.
(The wardrobe ___ next to the door.)
