German Phrase
Mein Kuli ist leer.
Meaning
The speaker is saying that their pen has run out of ink and can no longer write. In German, "leer" is used for objects that are empty of their contents, not just physically hollow.
When to use
Use this sentence when you need to explain why you can’t continue writing, when you’re asking for a spare pen, or when you’re simply commenting on the state of your writing instrument in a casual conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
MeinKuliistleer.
Possessive Determiner (mein)
"Mein" is the masculine/neuter form of the possessive determiner meaning “my”. It agrees with the gender of the noun that follows.
Colloquial Noun (Kuli)
"Kuli" is short for "Kugelschreiber" and is a casual word for a ball‑point pen. It is masculine (der Kuli).
Verb "sein" (ist)
"Ist" is the 3rd‑person singular present of "sein" (to be). It links the subject with a predicate adjective.
Predicate Adjective (leer)
"Leer" means “empty”. When used after "sein" it stays in the base form; no ending is added.
🗨In Conversation
Mein Kuli ist leer.
My pen is empty.
Möchtest du einen anderen ausleihen?
Would you like to borrow another one?
✕Common Mistakes
Meine Kuli ist leer.
"Kuli" is masculine, so the correct possessive form is "mein" not "meine".
Mein Kuli ist leerem.
After "sein" the adjective stays in its base form; do not add the dative ending "-em".
Mein Kuli ist leerer.
"Leerer" is the comparative form (more empty) and does not fit here; you need the predicate adjective "leer".
↔Alternatives
Mein Stift ist leer.
My pen is empty.
Mein Kugelschreiber ist leer.
My ball‑point pen is empty.
Ich habe keinen Tinten mehr.
I have no ink left.
Cultural Tip
"Kuli" is informal and common among friends, students, and in everyday speech. In a formal setting (e.g., a business meeting) you would use "Stift" or "Kugelschreiber". Also, Germans often ask for a spare pen by saying "Kann ich mir einen Stift leihen?" rather than directly pointing out the problem.