German Phrase
Gibt's einen Fön?
Meaning
Literally: ‘Is there a hair dryer?’ The speaker is asking whether a hair dryer is available, usually in a bathroom or a hotel room. It’s a short, informal way to request the device.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need a hair dryer in a hotel, hostel, a friend's flat, or any place where you’re not sure if one is provided. It works best in casual conversation; in very formal settings you might opt for a longer form.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Gibt'seinenFön?
Gibt's (Gibt es)
Contraction of the impersonal verb 'geben' + 'es' used in spoken German; in formal writing keep 'Gibt es'.
Accusative masculine article
Because 'Fön' is masculine, the indefinite article changes to 'einen' in the accusative case.
Noun gender
‘Fön’ is masculine (der Fön); the article must agree with its case.
Question word order
In yes‑no questions the verb (or verb‑contraction) comes first, followed by the subject (often omitted) and then the object.
🗨In Conversation
Gibt's einen Fön?
Is there a hair dryer?
Ja, ich bringe ihn gleich für dich.
Yes, I’ll bring one over right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Gibt einen Fön?
Missing the dummy subject ‘es’; the correct impersonal form is ‘Gibt es …’ or the spoken contraction ‘Gibt's …’.
Gibt's ein Fön?
‘Fön’ is masculine, so the accusative indefinite article must be ‘einen’, not ‘ein’.
Gibt's einen Föns?
‘Fön’ does not take an -s in the accusative; the article already marks the case.
↔Alternatives
Gibt es einen Haartrockner?
Is there a hair dryer?
Haben Sie einen Fön?
Do you have a hair dryer?
Könnte ich einen Fön bekommen?
Could I get a hair dryer?
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries the word ‘Fön’ (borrowed from the brand name) is the everyday term for a hair dryer, especially in informal speech. In more formal contexts or in written requests you’ll often hear ‘Haartrockner’. Also, the contraction ‘Gibt's’ is typical in spoken German; avoid it in formal emails or letters.