German Phrase
Heute Abend gibt's Nudeln.
Meaning
This is a very common way to announce what is for dinner in a German household. The word 'gibt's' is a contraction of 'gibt es', which functions like 'there is' or 'there are' in English. It focuses on the availability of the food rather than the act of eating itself.
When to use
Use this phrase when telling family members, roommates, or friends what the meal plan is for the evening. It is casual and perfect for everyday domestic life.
✦Grammar Breakdown
HeuteAbendgibt'sNudeln
Gibt's
This is a contraction of 'gibt es'. In German, 'es gibt' is followed by the accusative case to indicate existence or availability.
V2 Word Order
Since 'Heute Abend' occupies the first position in the sentence, the verb 'gibt' must come second, followed by the subject 'es'.
🗨In Conversation
Was essen wir heute?
What are we eating today?
Heute Abend gibt's Nudeln.
Tonight there are noodles.
✕Common Mistakes
Heute Abend ist Nudeln.
In German, use 'es gibt' (there is/are) to describe what is being served, rather than 'sein' (to be).
Heute Abend gibt es Nudel.
When referring to a pasta dish, always use the plural 'Nudeln' unless you are literally talking about a single piece of pasta.
↔Alternatives
Es gibt heute Abend Nudeln.
There are noodles tonight.
Wir essen heute Abend Nudeln.
We are eating noodles tonight.
Heute Abend mache ich Nudeln.
Tonight I am making noodles.
Cultural Tip
While traditional German 'Abendbrot' consists of bread, cheese, and meats, warm meals like 'Nudeln' (pasta) have become a staple for modern German dinners. The contraction 'gibt's' is extremely common in spoken German, making the sentence sound more natural and less formal.