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German Phrase

Ist das 'ne Premiere?

/ɪst das nə pʁeˈmiːʁə/
Meaning"Is that a premiere?"
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Meaning

Literally, “Is that a premiere?” It is used to ask whether something is happening for the first time, often with a hint of surprise or curiosity. The informal contraction "'ne" makes the question sound casual and friendly.

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When to use

Use this phrase in informal settings – with friends, family, or colleagues you know well – when you notice something that might be a first occurrence, such as a new dish, a debut performance, or an unexpected event.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Istdas'nePremiere?

1

Verb‑Subject Inversion

In yes/no questions the finite verb (ist) moves to the first position, followed by the subject (das).

2

Colloquial Contraction "'ne"

"'ne" is the spoken contraction of the feminine indefinite article "eine"; it is informal and common in everyday German.

3

Noun Gender

Premiere is a feminine noun, so the correct indefinite article is "eine" (or its colloquial form "'ne").

4

Question Mark

The question mark signals a rising intonation; in spoken German the pitch rises at the end of the sentence.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ist das 'ne Premiere?

Is that a premiere?

Ja, das ist das erste Mal, dass wir das neue Menü probieren.

Yes, it’s the first time we’re trying the new menu.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ist das ein Premiere?

    Premiere is feminine; the correct indefinite article is "eine" (or "'ne" in speech).

  • Ist das 'ne premiere?

    All German nouns are capitalised.

  • Ist das eine Premiere?

    While grammatically correct, it sounds stiff compared to the colloquial "'ne".

↔Alternatives

  • Ist das eine Premiere?

    Is this a premiere?

  • Ist das das erste Mal?

    Is this the first time?

  • Geht das zum ersten Mal?

    Is this happening for the first time?

de

Cultural Tip

The contraction "'ne" is typical of spoken German, especially in northern Germany and among younger speakers. It is perfectly fine in casual conversation but should be avoided in formal writing or presentations. Also, Germans love to point out "Premieren" – whether it’s a theater opening, a product launch, or a personal first – so the phrase often carries a light‑hearted, slightly teasing tone.