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German Phrase

Ist das 'ne Komödie oder ein Drama?

/ɪst das ˈneː kɔˈmoːdi̯ə ˈoːdɐ aɪn ˈdraːma/
Meaning"Is that a comedy or a drama?"
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Meaning

The speaker is asking whether something (usually a film, play, or TV show) is a comedy or a drama. The use of "'ne" makes the question sound casual and conversational.

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When to use

Use this phrase in informal settings—talking with friends, family, or classmates about movies, theater pieces, or TV series. It’s not appropriate for formal presentations or written reports.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Istdas'neKomödieodereinDrama?

1

Verb 'sein' (ist)

The verb 'sein' is conjugated as 'ist' for third person singular, used to form yes/no questions.

2

Demonstrative pronoun 'das'

'das' refers to a neuter noun or a situation previously mentioned.

3

Colloquial contraction "'ne"

"'ne" is the spoken short form of the feminine indefinite article 'eine'. It is informal and common in everyday speech.

4

Gender of nouns

'Komödie' is feminine (die Komödie) and takes 'eine', while 'Drama' is neuter (das Drama) and takes 'ein'.

5

Question word order

In yes/no questions the verb comes first, followed by the subject and then the rest of the sentence.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ist das 'ne Komödie oder ein Drama?

Is that a comedy or a drama?

Ich glaube, das ist eher ein Drama, weil es ziemlich ernst ist.

I think it's more of a drama because it's quite serious.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ist das ein Komödie oder ein Drama?

    Komödie is feminine, so it requires the article 'eine', not 'ein'.

  • Ist das 'ne Komödie oder ein Drama?

    Using the contraction in formal contexts sounds unprofessional; use 'eine' instead.

↔Alternatives

  • Ist das eine Komödie oder ein Drama?

    Is that a comedy or a drama?

  • Handelt es sich um eine Komödie oder ein Drama?

    Is it a comedy or a drama?

  • Ist das ein Comedy‑Film oder ein Drama?

    Is that a comedy film or a drama?

de

Cultural Tip

The contraction "'ne" is typical of spoken German, especially among younger speakers and in regional dialects. While perfectly natural in conversation, avoid it in formal writing or when speaking to people you don’t know well, as it can be perceived as too casual.