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German Phrase

Gibt's draußen einen Spielplatz?

/ˈɡɪpt͡s ˈdʁaʊ̯sn̩ aɪ̯nən ˈʃpiːlˌplat͡s/
Meaning"Is there a playground outside?"
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Meaning

This phrase is a common and informal way to ask if a playground is available outside. It uses the contracted form "Gibt's" for "Gibt es", making it sound more natural in everyday conversation. It directly inquires about the existence and location of a playground.

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When to use

You would typically use this phrase when you are with children and looking for a place for them to play, perhaps at a restaurant, a park, or a public facility. It's suitable for asking staff, locals, or friends in a casual setting.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Gibt'sdraußeneinenSpielplatz

1

Gibt's (Gibt es)

This is a contraction of "Gibt es" (There is/are). It's very common in spoken German and makes the phrase sound more natural and less formal.

2

Draußen

This adverb means "outside". It specifies the location where the playground might be found.

3

Einen Spielplatz

"Spielplatz" is a masculine noun (der Spielplatz). After "es gibt", the object is always in the accusative case, so "ein" becomes "einen".

🗨In Conversation

A

Entschuldigen Sie, gibt's draußen einen Spielplatz?

Excuse me, is there a playground outside?

Ja, direkt hinter dem Restaurant.

Yes, right behind the restaurant.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ist draußen ein Spielplatz?

    "Gibt es" (or "Gibt's") is generally preferred for asking about the existence of something, whereas "ist" is for describing a state or location of something already known to exist.

  • Gibt es draußen der Spielplatz?

    "Einen Spielplatz" is correct because "Spielplatz" is masculine (der Spielplatz) and in the accusative case after "es gibt".

  • Gibt es ein Spielplatz draußen?

    The word order is more natural with "draußen" before "einen Spielplatz" in this interrogative structure.

↔Alternatives

  • Ist hier ein Spielplatz in der Nähe?

    Is there a playground nearby?

  • Haben Sie einen Spielplatz?

    Do you have a playground? (More formal, often used when asking a business)

  • Wo ist der Spielplatz?

    Where is the playground? (If you know one exists)

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Cultural Tip

Germans value outdoor activities for children, and playgrounds are very common and well-maintained. It's perfectly normal and expected to ask about them. The directness of the question is typical for German communication. Using "Gibt's" is informal but widely accepted in most casual public interactions.