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German Phrase

Ist der Kunstlehrer da?

/ɪst deːɐ̯ ˈkʊnstˌleːʁɐ daː/
Meaning"Is the art teacher there?"
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Meaning

The sentence asks whether the art teacher is present at the moment. It can be used by students or colleagues who want to know if the teacher has arrived or is currently in the room.

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When to use

Use this question when you knock on a classroom door, call out before entering, or need to confirm the teacher's presence for a meeting or activity.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IstderKunstlehrerda?

1

Verb "sein" (ist)

"Ist" is the 3rd person singular present form of "sein" (to be) and is used for statements and yes/no questions about a single subject.

2

Definite article "der"

"Der" is the masculine nominative singular article, matching the gender of "Kunstlehrer".

3

Compound noun "Kunstlehrer"

"Kunstlehrer" combines "Kunst" (art) + "Lehrer" (teacher). It is masculine, so it takes "der" in the nominative case.

4

Adverb "da"

"Da" means "there" (location) and is often used in questions to ask if someone is present.

5

Word order in yes/no questions

In German yes/no questions the finite verb moves to the first position, followed by the subject.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ist der Kunstlehrer da?

Is the art teacher there?

Ja, er ist gerade im Lehrerzimmer.

Yes, he's just in the teachers' lounge.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Sind der Kunstlehrer da?

    The verb must agree with the singular subject; use "ist" not "sind".

  • Ist die Kunstlehrer da?

    "Kunstlehrer" is masculine, so the article must be "der", not "die".

  • Ist der Kunstlehrer da?

    If you refer to a female art teacher, change both the noun and article: "Ist die Kunstlehrerin da?"

↔Alternatives

  • Ist der Kunstlehrer hier?

    Is the art teacher here?

  • Kommt der Kunstlehrer?

    Is the art teacher coming?

  • Ist unser Kunstlehrer anwesend?

    Is our art teacher present?

de

Cultural Tip

In German schools teachers are usually addressed by their title and last name (e.g., Herr Müller). When asking about a teacher’s presence, it’s polite to use the formal "Sie" if you’re not a student, but among students the informal "du" is common. Also, "da" often implies a location a short distance away, while "hier" stresses being in the same room.