German Phrase
Das Labor ist zum Experimentieren da.
Meaning
The sentence states that the laboratory exists for the purpose of conducting experiments. It emphasizes the function of the lab rather than its physical location.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to explain why a place, tool, or object is available, especially in academic, scientific, or technical contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DasLaboristzumExperimentierenda
Noun + ist + da
The construction "X ist da" states the purpose or function of X, similar to "X is there for" in English.
zu + infinitive → zum
"zu" + definite article "dem" contracts to "zum" and introduces an infinitive used as a noun to express purpose.
Experimentieren (noun)
The infinitive "Experimentieren" can act as a noun when preceded by "zum", meaning "for experimenting".
Verb "sein" (ist)
Here "ist" links the subject to its purpose; it is not a location verb.
🗨In Conversation
Wofür ist das Labor da?
What is the lab there for?
Das Labor ist zum Experimentieren da.
The lab is there for experimenting.
✕Common Mistakes
Das Labor ist für das Experimentieren da.
The preposition "für" is not used with "da"; use "zum" to link purpose.
Das Labor ist zum Experimentieren.
Leaving out "da" makes the sentence sound incomplete; "da" signals the purpose.
Das Labor ist da zum Experimentieren.
While understandable, the preferred order is "ist zum ... da" for smoother flow.
↔Alternatives
Das Labor dient dem Experimentieren.
The lab serves for experimenting.
Im Labor kann man experimentieren.
One can experiment in the lab.
Das Labor ist zum Forschen da.
The lab is there for research.
Cultural Tip
In German, "ist da" followed by a purpose phrase (often introduced by "zum" + infinitive) is a common way to state an object's function. You can also say "ist da, um zu..." (e.g., "Das Labor ist da, um zu experimentieren"). The "zum" construction is more compact and frequently used in written and spoken German.