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German Phrase

Hab' schlechten Empfang.

/haːp ˈʃlɛçtn̩ ˈʔɛnfʁaŋ/
Meaning"I have poor reception."
💡

Meaning

Literally, “I have poor reception.” It is used to say that a mobile phone, radio, TV or any other signal‑receiving device is not picking up a clear signal. The phrase is informal and usually spoken.

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When to use

Use it when you’re on a call, trying to stream video, or listening to a radio station and the signal drops. It’s perfect for casual conversation with friends, family, or coworkers, but avoid it in formal written reports.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Hab'schlechtenEmpfang

1

Verb contraction

‘Hab'’ is the colloquial contraction of ‘habe’, the first‑person singular of ‘haben’. It’s common in spoken German and informal writing.

2

Accusative adjective declension

‘schlechten’ is the weak declension of the adjective ‘schlecht’ used with the masculine noun ‘Empfang’ in the accusative case.

3

Noun gender & case

‘Empfang’ is a masculine noun (der Empfang). In this sentence it functions as a direct object, so it takes the accusative article ‘den’, which is omitted in the short form.

🗨In Conversation

A

Hab' schlechten Empfang.

I have poor reception.

Oh, das ist ärgerlich. Versuch's später nochmal.

Oh, that’s annoying. Try again later.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Hab schlechten Empfang.

    Missing the apostrophe makes the contraction look like a typo; the spoken form is ‘hab’ (with a short pause).

  • Hab' schlechte Empfang.

    ‘schlechte’ is the nominative/accusative feminine form; ‘Empfang’ is masculine, so the adjective must be ‘schlechten’.

  • Ich habe schlecht Empfang.

    The adjective needs the correct ending ‘schlechten’ to agree with the masculine accusative noun.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich habe schlechten Empfang.

    I have poor reception.

  • Der Empfang ist schlecht.

    The reception is bad.

  • Ich bekomme keinen Empfang.

    I’m not getting any reception.

de

Cultural Tip

In German‑speaking countries people often comment on signal quality when on the move. In the south of Germany you’ll also hear “schlechtes Signal” (especially for TV or internet). In formal contexts, such as a business email, stick to the full form “Ich habe schlechten Empfang.”