German Phrase
Das Haus ist dunkel.
Meaning
This phrase is a simple descriptive sentence used to indicate that a house has no lights on or lacks illumination. It combines the neuter noun 'Haus' with the adjective 'dunkel' to describe a physical state.
When to use
Use this phrase when you arrive at a home and notice the lights are off, or when describing the atmosphere of a building at night. It is a common observation in everyday German conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DasHausistdunkel
Das
The definite article for neuter nouns in the nominative case.
Haus
A neuter noun meaning house; nouns are always capitalized in German.
ist
The third-person singular present tense of 'sein' (to be).
dunkel
An adjective meaning dark, used here without an ending because it is in the predicative position.
🗨In Conversation
Soll ich klingeln?
Should I ring the bell?
Das Haus ist dunkel. Ich glaube, niemand ist da.
The house is dark. I think nobody is there.
✕Common Mistakes
Die Haus ist dunkel.
'Haus' is a neuter noun, so it must use the definite article 'das' instead of the feminine 'die'.
Das Haus ist dunkle.
When an adjective follows the verb 'sein' (to be), it is used in its base form and does not take an ending.
↔Alternatives
Es ist dunkel im Haus.
It is dark in the house.
Das Haus hat kein Licht.
The house has no light.
Cultural Tip
In Germany, shutters (Rolläden) are often closed completely at night, making a house look very dark from the outside. This is a common practice for privacy and insulation rather than a sign that no one is home.