German Phrase
Das ist John.
Meaning
This is a basic introductory sentence used to identify a person to others. It utilizes the neutral demonstrative pronoun 'das' combined with the singular form of the verb 'to be'.
When to use
Use this phrase when introducing a friend, colleague, or acquaintance in both social and professional settings. It is the standard way to point someone out or present them to a group.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DasistJohn
Das (Demonstrative)
In this context, 'Das' acts as a fixed demonstrative pronoun used for identifying people or things, staying the same regardless of gender or number.
ist (Sein)
'ist' is the third-person singular present tense of the irregular verb 'sein' (to be).
🗨In Conversation
Wer ist der Mann dort drüben?
Who is the man over there?
Das ist John.
That is John.
✕Common Mistakes
Es ist John.
While 'es' means 'it', German uses 'das' as a universal demonstrative pronoun for introducing people regardless of gender.
Das sind John.
The verb must agree with the singular subject 'John', so use 'ist' instead of the plural 'sind'.
↔Alternatives
Darf ich vorstellen? Das ist John.
May I introduce? This is John.
Hier ist John.
Here is John.
Das hier ist John.
This right here is John.
Cultural Tip
In German culture, introductions are often straightforward. In formal situations, it is polite to use the person's full name and potentially their professional title if applicable.