German Phrase
Die Handtücher sind an der Rezeption.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener that the towels are located at the reception desk, a typical piece of information you might hear in a hotel or hostel.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to point out where towels (or similar items) can be collected, especially when answering a guest’s question about their whereabouts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DieHandtüchersindanderRezeption
Definite article (plural nominative)
"Die" is the plural nominative form of the definite article, used here because "Handtücher" is plural.
Plural noun
"Handtücher" is the irregular plural of "Handtuch"; note the umlaut and the -er ending.
Verb "sein" (to be)
"sind" is the 3rd‑person plural present of "sein", matching the plural subject.
Preposition "an" + dative (location)
When "an" indicates a static location, it governs the dative case; therefore "der" (dative feminine) follows.
Definite article (dative feminine)
"der" is the dative singular feminine form of the definite article, required after "an" in this context.
Feminine noun "Rezeption"
"Rezeption" (reception desk) is a feminine noun, hence the dative article "der".
🗨In Conversation
Wo sind die Handtücher?
Where are the towels?
Die Handtücher sind an der Rezeption.
The towels are at the reception.
✕Common Mistakes
Die Handtücher sind bei der Rezeption.
"bei" implies near or at a place, but for a fixed location like a desk, German prefers "an der".
Das Handtuch ist an der Rezeption.
The subject is plural, so the noun must be plural "Handtücher".
Die Handtücher sind im Rezeption.
"im" is a contraction of "in dem" and requires the dative; "Rezeption" is not a place you are "in" but "at".
↔Alternatives
Die Handtücher liegen an der Rezeption.
The towels lie at the reception.
Die Handtücher befinden sich an der Rezeption.
The towels are situated at the reception.
Man kann die Handtücher an der Rezeption abholen.
You can pick up the towels at the reception.
Cultural Tip
In German hotels it is common for towels, brochures, and small amenities to be kept at the reception desk for guests to collect. The preposition "an" with the dative ("an der Rezeption") is the standard way to express a fixed location like this. Avoid using "bei" here, which would suggest a more general vicinity rather than a precise spot.