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German Phrase

Ist dieses Schließfach frei?

/ɪst ˈdiːzəs ˈʃliːs.faχ fʁaɪ/
Meaning"Is this locker free?"
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Meaning

You are asking whether a particular locker is currently unoccupied and can be used. The question expects a yes/no answer, often followed by a brief explanation or a key code.

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When to use

Use this sentence at train stations, gyms, schools, or any place that offers lockers when you want to check if a specific locker is still available before you try to open it.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IstdiesesSchließfachfrei?

1

Verb "sein" (Ist)

"Ist" is the 3rd person singular present of "sein" and is used for questions with the subject after the verb.

2

Demonstrative pronoun "dieses"

"dieses" is the neuter nominative form of "dies-" and must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies (Schließfach, neuter, nominative).

3

Neuter noun "Schließfach"

Schließfach is a neuter compound noun (Schließ‑ + Fach) meaning "locker"; its article in the nominative is "das".

4

Predicative adjective "frei"

"frei" is used predicatively after "sein" to describe the state of the locker (available, not occupied).

🗨In Conversation

A

Entschuldigung, ist dieses Schließfach frei?

Excuse me, is this locker free?

Ja, es ist frei. Der Schlüssel liegt hier drunter.

Yes, it’s free. The key is underneath.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ist dieser Schließfach frei?

    "dieser" is masculine; the noun Schließfach is neuter, so the correct form is "dieses".

  • Ist dieses Schließfach offen?

    "offen" means "open" (physically), not "available". Use "frei" for availability.

  • Sind dieses Schließfach frei?

    The subject is singular, so the verb must be "ist", not "sind".

↔Alternatives

  • Ist das Schließfach noch frei?

    Is the locker still free?

  • Ist dieses Fach frei?

    Is this compartment free?

  • Kann ich dieses Schließfach benutzen?

    Can I use this locker?

de

Cultural Tip

In German‑speaking countries lockers (Schließfächer) are common in train stations (Bahnhöfe), universities, and gyms. They are usually rented for a short period and you receive a metal key or a numeric code. When asking about a locker, it’s polite to say "Entschuldigung" first, and staff may reply with the word "frei" (free) or "besetzt" (occupied).