The idea
After choosing the German subject, add its form of sein. Compare singular ist with plural sind before adding the rest of the description.
One contrast, not a prediction about every learner
Modern Standard Arabic can make present nominal sentences without an overt verb equivalent to is. German normally requires a finite verb in a complete declarative sentence, including descriptions of a room, person or situation.
Individual experience, dialect and other languages you know can change which comparisons help. Use the contrast to notice a German choice; do not treat it as a label for a whole group of people.
Repair the transfer
Die Türen heute offen.Die Türen sind heute offen.After choosing the German subject, add its form of sein. Compare singular ist with plural sind before adding the rest of the description.
Examples
- Die Türen zum Garten sind seit neun Uhr offen.The doors to the garden have been open since nine.
- Dieser kleine Raum ist für die Besprechung geeignet.This small room is suitable for the meeting.
- Ich bin heute nur bis zum Mittag erreichbar.I am available only until noon today.
- Die beiden Hinweise sind für uns sehr hilfreich.The two pieces of advice are very helpful to us.
- Du bist am richtigen Eingang angekommen.You have arrived at the right entrance.
- Unsere Gruppe ist mit dem neuen Plan einverstanden.Our group agrees with the new plan.
Read-aloud uses a synthetic German voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.
No German device voice is available. You can still read the text and use the linked listening resources.
Watch out
Do not generalize a source-language pattern to every German sentence. After choosing the German subject, add its form of sein. Compare singular ist with plural sind before adding the rest of the description.
Try it yourself
Korrigiere: Die Türen heute offen.
Show answer or example answer
Die Türen sind heute offen.
Die Türen sind heute offen. After choosing the German subject, add its form of sein. Compare singular ist with plural sind before adding the rest of the description.
Ins Deutsche übertragen: The doors to the garden have been open since nine.
Show answer or example answer
Die Türen zum Garten sind seit neun Uhr offen.
Die Türen zum Garten sind seit neun Uhr offen. After choosing the German subject, add its form of sein. Compare singular ist with plural sind before adding the rest of the description.
Ins Deutsche übertragen: You have arrived at the right entrance.
Show answer or example answer
Du bist am richtigen Eingang angekommen.
Du bist am richtigen Eingang angekommen. Keep the meaning of the whole sentence while using the German pattern.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
Korrigiere: Die Türen heute offen.
Die Türen sind heute offen.
Ins Deutsche übertragen: The doors to the garden have been open since nine.
Die Türen zum Garten sind seit neun Uhr offen.
Ins Deutsche übertragen: You have arrived at the right entrance.
Du bist am richtigen Eingang angekommen.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write three German sentences of your own that follow the pattern of “Die Türen sind heute offen.”. Check each one for the Modern Standard Arabic habit this lesson corrects, then read them aloud.