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German Phrase

Gibt's Hausaufgaben?

/ˈɡɪpt͡s ˈhaʊ̯sˌʔaʊ̯fˈɡaːbn̩/
Meaning"Is there homework?"
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Meaning

Literally “Is there homework?” It is the informal way students ask whether the teacher has assigned any tasks to be done at home. The phrase is short, colloquial and usually spoken in the hallway or after class.

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When to use

Use this sentence with friends, classmates, or in a relaxed school setting. In a formal conversation with a teacher you would say the full form *Gibt es Hausaufgaben?* or *Haben wir Hausaufgaben?*.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Gibt'sHausaufgaben?

1

Gibt's = gibt es

The contraction "Gibt's" combines the verb *geben* (3rd person singular) with the dummy subject *es*. It is used in informal spoken German.

2

Impersonal verb *geben*

*Geben* can be used impersonally to indicate existence, similar to English "there is/are".

3

Plural noun *Hausaufgaben*

*Hausaufgaben* is a plural noun that refers to homework in general; it is not used in the singular unless you mean a single assignment.

4

Question word order

In yes‑no questions the verb comes first: *Gibt es …?* The contraction keeps this order.

🗨In Conversation

A

Gibt's Hausaufgaben?

Is there any homework?

Ja, wir sollen das Arbeitsblatt 3 bis Freitag fertig machen.

Yes, we have to finish worksheet 3 by Friday.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Gibt Hausaufgaben?

    The dummy subject *es* is required; without it the sentence is ungrammatical.

  • Gibt's Hausaufgabe?

    *Hausaufgaben* is a plural noun; the singular *Hausaufgabe* would change the meaning and sounds odd in this context.

  • Gibt es Hausaufgabe?

    Even with the full form you should keep the plural *Hausaufgaben* unless you refer to a single specific task.

↔Alternatives

  • Gibt es Hausaufgaben?

    Is there homework?

  • Sind Hausaufgaben aufgegeben?

    Have homework assignments been given?

  • Müssen wir Hausaufgaben machen?

    Do we have to do homework?

de

Cultural Tip

In German schools homework is called *Hausaufgaben* (always plural) even if only one sheet is assigned. The contraction *Gibt's* is typical of spoken German and is rarely written in formal texts. When you ask a teacher, use the full form *Gibt es Hausaufgaben?* to sound polite.