German Phrase
Gibt's 'ne Vorband?
Meaning
A casual way to ask whether there will be an opening act before the main performance. It’s the kind of question you’d hear among friends planning to go to a concert or when you’re already at the venue.
When to use
Use it in informal settings – with friends, at a bar, or when speaking to venue staff in a relaxed tone. It’s not appropriate for formal written communication or a business email.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Gibt's'neVorband?
Gibt's = gibt es
The contraction "Gibt's" combines the verb "gibt" (from "geben") with the impersonal pronoun "es" and is common in spoken German.
'ne = eine
"'ne" is a colloquial shortening of the feminine indefinite article "eine"; it is used only in informal speech.
Vorband (feminine)
The noun "Vorband" (die Vorband) means "opening act". Remember it takes the feminine article "die".
Word order
In yes‑no questions with "gibt es", the verb comes first, followed by the subject (often omitted) and then the noun phrase.
🗨In Conversation
Gibt's 'ne Vorband?
Is there an opening act?
Ja, die lokale Indie‑Band spielt zuerst.
Yes, the local indie band plays first.
✕Common Mistakes
Gibt's ein Vorband?
"Vorband" is feminine, so the correct indefinite article is "eine" (or the colloquial "'ne").
Gibt es 'ne Vorband?
While grammatically possible, the contraction "Gibt's" is the natural spoken form; mixing the full "gibt es" with the colloquial "'ne" sounds awkward.
↔Alternatives
Gibt es eine Vorband?
Is there an opening act?
Spielt noch jemand vor dem Hauptact?
Is someone playing before the main act?
Wird es eine Vorband geben?
Will there be an opening act?
Cultural Tip
Opening acts (Vorbands) are a staple of German concert culture, especially in rock, pop and indie scenes. Using the colloquial "'ne" signals a friendly, relaxed register – native speakers will instantly recognize the informal vibe. In more formal contexts (e.g., a press release) stick to the full form "Gibt es eine Vorband?".