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German Phrase

Hast du deine Hausaufgaben schon fertig?

/hast duː ˈdaɪ̯nə ˈhaʊ̯sˌaʊ̯fˌɡaːbn̩ ʃoːn ˈfɛʁtɪç/
Meaning"Have you already finished your homework?"
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Meaning

This phrase is a direct question asking if someone has completed their homework. The word "schon" emphasizes that the speaker is inquiring about the completion of the task, often implying a sense of expectation or timeliness. It's a common way to check on progress or readiness.

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When to use

You would typically use this phrase when speaking to a student, child, or anyone who has an assigned task like homework. It's suitable for parents asking their children, teachers asking students, or even friends asking each other about shared assignments. It's a casual yet direct way to inquire about completion.

✦Grammar Breakdown

HastdudeineHausaufgabenschonfertig?

1

Haben (Hast)

'Hast' is the second-person singular conjugation of the verb 'haben' (to have). It's used here as an auxiliary verb to form the present perfect tense, similar to 'have' in English.

2

Du

'Du' is the informal second-person singular pronoun, meaning 'you'. It's used when addressing friends, family, children, or people you know well.

3

Deine

'Deine' is the feminine/plural form of the possessive pronoun 'dein' (your). Since 'Hausaufgaben' (homework) is a plural noun in German, 'deine' is used.

4

Hausaufgaben

This is a compound noun meaning 'homework' (literally 'house tasks'). It is always plural in German, even when referring to a single assignment.

5

Schon

'Schon' means 'already'. It indicates that something has happened or been completed by a certain point in time, often implying a sense of expectation or surprise.

6

Fertig

'Fertig' is an adjective meaning 'finished' or 'ready'. In this construction, it functions as a predicate adjective, indicating the state of the homework.

🗨In Conversation

A

Tim, hast du deine Hausaufgaben schon fertig?

Tim, have you already finished your homework?

Ja, Mama, ich bin schon fertig! Kann ich jetzt spielen?

Yes, Mom, I'm already finished! Can I play now?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Hast du deine Hausaufgaben schon gemacht?

    While 'gemacht' (done/made) is not entirely wrong, 'fertig' (finished) or 'erledigt' (completed) is more precise when asking about the completion of a task like homework. 'Gemacht' can imply just the act of doing, not necessarily finishing.

  • Hast du schon deine Hausaufgaben fertig?

    The word order is less natural. 'Schon' typically comes before 'fertig' or directly after the conjugated verb and subject, but before the object in this context, to emphasize 'already finished'.

  • Hast du dein Hausaufgaben schon fertig?

    Hausaufgaben is plural in German, so the possessive pronoun must also be plural: 'deine'.

↔Alternatives

  • Sind deine Hausaufgaben schon fertig?

    Are your homework already finished?

  • Hast du deine Hausaufgaben schon erledigt?

    Have you already completed your homework?

  • Bist du mit deinen Hausaufgaben fertig?

    Are you finished with your homework?

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Cultural Tip

In German-speaking cultures, homework (Hausaufgaben) is generally taken seriously as an integral part of the learning process. Asking about its completion is a common and expected inquiry from parents and teachers. The directness of the question reflects a cultural preference for clear communication, especially regarding responsibilities. There's less emphasis on softening such questions compared to some other cultures.