German Phrase
Ist das dein Notizbuch?
Meaning
The sentence asks whether the notebook you see belongs to the listener. It is a straightforward, informal way to confirm ownership of an object.
When to use
Use this question when you spot a notebook (or any similar item) and want to know if it is the other person's. It works in casual settings such as a classroom, a coffee shop, or a shared workspace.
✦Grammar Breakdown
IstdasdeinNotizbuch?
Verb‑First in Yes/No Questions
In German yes‑no questions the finite verb moves to the first position, so 'ist' (is) precedes the subject.
Demonstrative Pronoun 'das'
'das' is a neuter demonstrative pronoun meaning 'that' and also serves as the subject of the sentence.
Possessive Adjective 'dein'
'dein' agrees with the noun it modifies (Notizbuch, neuter) and means 'your' in informal address.
Noun Gender and Article
'Notizbuch' is a neuter noun, so the demonstrative pronoun and any articles would be 'das' (not 'der' or 'die').
🗨In Conversation
Ist das dein Notizbuch?
Is that your notebook?
Ja, das ist meins.
Yes, it is mine.
✕Common Mistakes
Bist das dein Notizbuch?
The verb must agree with the subject 'das' (neuter), so you use 'ist' not 'bist'.
Ist das deine Notizbuch?
'Notizbuch' is neuter, so the correct possessive form is 'dein', not the feminine 'deine'.
Das dein ist dein Notizbuch?
In a yes/no question the verb comes first; you cannot start with 'das dein'.
↔Alternatives
Gehört das Notizbuch dir?
Does the notebook belong to you?
Ist das dein Heft?
Is that your (school) notebook?
Ist das dein Schreibheft?
Is that your writing notebook?
Cultural Tip
In German, 'Notizbuch' refers to a personal notebook for notes, sketches, or diaries, while 'Heft' is used for school notebooks. The possessive 'dein' is informal; in a formal context you would say 'Ist das Ihr Notizbuch?'. Also, Germans often ask about ownership directly, but be mindful of tone – a friendly smile helps keep the question polite.