German Phrase
Ist das frisch?
Meaning
This question asks whether something (usually food, a drink, or a product) is fresh. It can be used to check quality or safety before consumption.
When to use
Use it at a market, restaurant, or grocery store when you want to confirm the freshness of items like fish, bread, fruit, or even a bouquet of flowers.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Istdasfrisch?
Verb 'sein' (ist)
The verb 'sein' (to be) is conjugated as 'ist' for third person singular (he/she/it). Here it forms a yes/no question.
Demonstrative pronoun 'das'
'das' means 'that' and refers to a neuter noun previously mentioned or being pointed at.
Adjective 'frisch'
'frisch' means 'fresh' and is used predicatively after 'sein' without any ending.
Question formation
In German, yes/no questions invert the subject and verb: 'Ist das …?'
🗨In Conversation
Ist das frisch?
Is that fresh?
Ja, wir haben ihn heute Morgen geliefert.
Yes, we received it this morning.
✕Common Mistakes
Ist das frisches?
Adjectives used predicatively after 'sein' do not take endings; 'frisch' stays unchanged.
Ist das das frisch?
Do not add the neuter article 'das' after the adjective; the correct order is verb‑subject‑adjective.
Ist das zu frisch?
Avoid using 'sein' with a dative object; the structure must be verb‑subject‑adjective.
↔Alternatives
Ist das noch frisch?
Is that still fresh?
Wie frisch ist das?
How fresh is that?
Ist das Produkt frisch?
Is the product fresh?
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking countries, freshness is taken seriously, especially for fish, meat, and bakery items. Asking 'Ist das frisch?' shows you care about quality, but be polite; a simple 'Entschuldigung, ist das frisch?' softens the request. In southern Germany and Austria, you might also hear 'Ist das noch frisch?' to emphasize that the item has been on display for a while.