German Phrase
Ist der Zug voll?
Meaning
The sentence asks whether the train currently has any free seats. It’s a quick way to check capacity before stepping onto a crowded carriage.
When to use
Use it on platforms, in stations, or while already on the train if you’re unsure whether there’s room for you or your luggage. It’s also handy when asking a fellow passenger for a seat.
✦Grammar Breakdown
IstderZugvoll?
Sein as a copular verb
‘Ist’ is the 3rd‑person singular present of ‘sein’ and is used to link the subject (der Zug) with a predicative adjective (voll).
Definite article declension
‘der’ is the nominative masculine article that matches the noun ‘Zug’ (masculine, singular).
Predicative adjective
When an adjective follows ‘sein’, it stays in its base form without an ending – ‘voll’, not ‘volle’.
🗨In Conversation
Ist der Zug voll?
Is the train full?
Nein, er hat noch Plätze.
No, it still has seats.
✕Common Mistakes
Sind der Zug voll?
‘Zug’ is singular, so the verb must be singular ‘ist’, not the plural ‘sind’.
Ist die Zug voll?
‘Zug’ is masculine; the correct article is ‘der’, not the feminine ‘die’.
Ist der Zug volle?
When used predicatively after ‘sein’, the adjective stays uninflected – ‘voll’, not ‘volle’.
↔Alternatives
Hat der Zug noch Plätze?
Does the train still have seats?
Sind noch Sitzplätze im Zug frei?
Are there still free seats on the train?
Ist im Zug noch Platz?
Is there still space on the train?
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries it’s considered polite to ask before boarding, especially on regional and commuter trains where space is limited. You’ll often hear people say ‘Entschuldigung, ist noch Platz?’ (Excuse me, is there still room?) rather than just assuming a seat is free. Also note that ‘voll’ can describe buses, trams, or even a crowded elevator.