German Phrase
Ist der große Uhrturm hier in der Nähe?
Meaning
The sentence asks whether the big clock tower is close to the speaker’s current location. It is a typical way to check the proximity of a well‑known landmark while you are walking around a town or city.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are exploring a new town, looking for a landmark, or asking a local for directions to a famous clock tower. It works in both casual and polite contexts, especially when you add a brief opener like 'Entschuldigung'.
✦Grammar Breakdown
IstdergroßeUhrturmhierinderNähe?
Verb‑to‑be (sein) in Fragen
In yes‑no questions the verb 'sein' is placed first, followed by the subject.
Definite article (der) – masculine nominative
'Uhrturm' is a masculine noun, so it takes the nominative article 'der' as the subject.
Adjective ending after definite article
After a definite article the adjective takes a weak ending: 'große' (not 'großer').
Preposition 'in' + dative
'In' with the noun 'Nähe' requires the dative case, hence 'in der Nähe'.
Word order for location questions
Adverbs of place (hier, in der Nähe) normally follow the subject, but can be moved for emphasis.
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigung, ist der große Uhrturm hier in der Nähe?
Excuse me, is the big clock tower nearby?
Ja, er ist nur ein paar Minuten zu Fuß entfernt.
Yes, it’s only a few minutes away on foot.
✕Common Mistakes
Ist das große Uhrturm hier in der Nähe?
Uhrturm is masculine, so the article must be 'der', not 'das'.
Ist der großer Uhrturm hier in der Nähe?
After a definite article the adjective takes a weak ending: 'große'.
Ist der große Uhrturm hier in die Nähe?
The preposition 'in' with 'Nähe' requires dative, not accusative.
↔Alternatives
Steht der große Uhrturm in der Nähe?
Is the big clock tower nearby?
Findet man den großen Uhrturm hier in der Nähe?
Can one find the big clock tower around here?
Ist der Uhrturm hier in der Nähe?
Is the clock tower nearby?
Cultural Tip
Many German‑speaking towns have a historic 'Uhrturm' that serves as a central meeting point. When asking for directions, it’s customary to start with a polite opener such as 'Entschuldigung' or 'Entschuldigen Sie bitte'. Remember that 'Uhrturm' is masculine, so the correct article is 'der', and the adjective must agree with it. In Austria you’ll hear the same phrase, but locals might also refer to the tower as 'Turm' or 'Stadtturm'.