German Phrase
Die erste Phase ist fertig.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘The first phase is finished.’ It states that the initial stage of a process or project has been completed. ‘Fertig’ can also convey that something is ready for the next step.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to report the completion of the first part of a multi‑step task, such as a construction project, a software development sprint, or a cooking recipe.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DieerstePhaseistfertig
Definite Article (Die)
‘Die’ is the feminine singular definite article, used here because ‘Phase’ is a feminine noun.
Ordinal Number (erste)
‘erste’ is the ordinal adjective meaning ‘first’, and it agrees in gender, number, and case with ‘Phase’ (feminine nominative).
Noun (Phase)
‘Phase’ is a feminine noun meaning ‘phase’ or ‘stage’; in the nominative case it takes the article ‘die’.
Verb ‘sein’ (ist)
‘ist’ is the third‑person singular present of ‘sein’ (to be), used to link the subject with a predicate adjective.
Predicate Adjective (fertig)
‘fertig’ is an adjective meaning ‘finished’ or ‘ready’; after ‘sein’ it stays in its base form.
🗨In Conversation
Wie läuft das Projekt?
How is the project going?
Die erste Phase ist fertig.
The first phase is finished.
✕Common Mistakes
Der erste Phase ist fertig.
‘Phase’ is feminine, so the article must be ‘die’, not ‘der’.
Die erste Phase ist fertige.
After ‘sein’, the adjective stays in its base form; do not add an ending.
Die erstes Phase ist fertig.
‘Erstes’ is neuter; the noun ‘Phase’ is feminine, so use ‘erste’.
↔Alternatives
Die erste Stufe ist abgeschlossen.
The first stage is completed.
Wir haben die erste Phase beendet.
We have finished the first phase.
Die erste Phase ist erledigt.
The first phase is done.
Cultural Tip
In German business communication, it’s common to give concise status updates like this. ‘Fertig’ sounds slightly informal; in formal reports you might prefer ‘abgeschlossen’ or ‘beendet’. Also, remember that ‘Phase’ is feminine, so the article and adjective must match.