German Phrase
Ist die Bibliothek das große steinerne Gebäude?
Meaning
This phrase is a direct question asking for confirmation about the identity of a specific building. It's used when you're trying to locate the library and have a particular building in mind that you suspect might be it. The question structure is a simple 'yes/no' question.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase when you are looking for a specific place, like a library, and you see a prominent building that fits a description you might have (e.g., 'large', 'stone'). It's a polite way to confirm if your assumption about the building's identity is correct, often when asking a local for help or confirming directions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
IstdieBibliothekdasgroßesteinerneGebäude?
Ist (Sein)
'Ist' is the third-person singular form of the verb 'sein' (to be). In a yes/no question, the conjugated verb always comes first in German.
Die / Das
'Die' is the feminine definite article (the) for 'Bibliothek'. 'Das' is the neuter definite article (the) for 'Gebäude'. German nouns have grammatical genders.
Große / Steinerne
These are adjectives ('large', 'stone/stony') that describe 'Gebäude'. They are declined with an '-e' ending because they follow a definite article ('das') and the noun 'Gebäude' is neuter in the nominative case.
Gebäude
'Gebäude' is a neuter noun meaning 'building'. It's important to remember its gender for correct article and adjective usage.
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigen Sie, ich suche die Bibliothek.
Excuse me, I'm looking for the library.
Ist die Bibliothek das große steinerne Gebäude dort drüben?
Is the library the large stone building over there?
✕Common Mistakes
Die Bibliothek ist das große steinerne Gebäude?
In German, for a yes/no question, the conjugated verb must come first. 'Die Bibliothek ist...' is a statement.
Ist die Bibliothek das große steinerne Gebäuden?
The noun 'Gebäude' is neuter and remains 'Gebäude' in the nominative singular. 'Gebäuden' is the dative plural.
Ist die Bibliothek das groß steinerne Gebäude?
Adjectives preceding a noun in German must be declined. Here, 'groß' needs the strong declension ending '-e' because it follows the definite article 'das' and the noun 'Gebäude' is neuter nominative singular.
↔Alternatives
Wo ist die Bibliothek?
Where is the library?
Entschuldigen Sie, ist das die Bibliothek?
Excuse me, is that the library?
Ist das hier die Bibliothek?
Is this the library?
Cultural Tip
Germans tend to be quite direct in their communication, so asking a straightforward question like this is perfectly acceptable and common. When asking for directions, it's always polite to start with 'Entschuldigen Sie' (Excuse me). While 'Sie' (formal 'you') is generally preferred with strangers, in very casual settings or with younger people, 'du' might be used, but 'Sie' is always safe.