German Phrase
Ist die Veranstaltung kostenlos?
Meaning
The sentence asks whether the event is free of charge. It is a neutral, polite way to find out if you need to pay an entry fee or if the participation is complimentary.
When to use
Use this question at information desks, on event flyers, or when speaking with the organizer. It works for concerts, workshops, festivals, museum openings, or any public gathering where a fee might be expected.
✦Grammar Breakdown
IstdieVeranstaltungkostenlos?
Verb‑First Question (Verb‑Erst‑Frage)
In yes/no questions the finite verb (here „ist“) moves to the first position, before the subject.
Definite Article – Nominative Feminine
„die“ is the nominative singular article for feminine nouns like „Veranstaltung“.
Noun Gender & Case
„Veranstaltung“ is a feminine noun; in a subject position it stays in the nominative case.
Predicative Adjective
„kostenlos“ is used predicatively after the verb „sein“ and therefore does not receive an ending.
Question Mark
The punctuation mark „?“ signals a yes/no question; the word order already shows it.
🗨In Conversation
Ist die Veranstaltung kostenlos?
Is the event free?
Ja, sie ist kostenlos. Sie können einfach kommen.
Yes, it’s free. You can just come.
✕Common Mistakes
Sind die Veranstaltung kostenlos?
The subject is singular (die Veranstaltung), so the verb must be singular "ist".
Ist die Veranstaltung umsonst?
While "umsonst" can mean "free", it also means "in vain"; use "kostenlos" for price questions.
Ist die Veranstaltungen kostenlos?
If you keep the singular verb "ist", the noun must stay singular; otherwise change the verb to "sind".
Ist die Veranstaltung kostenlose?
After "sein" the adjective stays uninflected; "kostenlose" would be wrong here.
↔Alternatives
Ist die Teilnahme kostenlos?
Is participation free?
Muss ich dafür bezahlen?
Do I have to pay for it?
Gibt es Eintritt?
Is there an entrance fee?
Ist das Event umsonst?
Is the event free of charge?
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries "kostenlos" is the neutral term for "free of charge". The word "umsonst" also means "free" but can imply "in vain" in other contexts, so prefer "kostenlos" when you talk about price. Many public cultural events (e.g., museum evenings, city festivals) are indeed kostenlos, but it’s always polite to ask before assuming.