German Phrase
Hier gibt's kaum Empfang.
Meaning
The sentence means "There is hardly any reception here," usually referring to a weak mobile phone or internet signal. It conveys a slight frustration or a warning that you might lose connectivity.
When to use
Use this phrase when you notice a poor signal on your phone, tablet, or when the TV/radio reception is weak in a specific location – for example, in a basement, rural area, or a building with thick walls.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Hiergibt'skaumEmpfang.
gibt's = gibt es
The contraction "gibt's" combines the impersonal verb "gibt" (from "geben") with the dummy subject "es"; it means "there is/are".
kaum
"kaum" means "hardly" or "scarcely" and is used to express a very low amount or degree.
Empfang
"Empfang" can refer to reception of a signal (mobile, TV, radio) or to a reception event; here it means signal strength.
Word order
In declarative sentences with an impersonal verb, the adverb "kaum" typically follows the verb phrase: "gibt's kaum Empfang".
🗨In Conversation
Wie ist das Handynetz hier?
How's the mobile network here?
Hier gibt's kaum Empfang.
There's hardly any reception here.
✕Common Mistakes
Hier gibt kaum Empfang.
Missing the dummy subject "es"; the correct impersonal form is "gibt's" or "gibt es".
Hier kaum gibt's Empfang.
Placing "kaum" before the verb changes the meaning; it should follow the verb phrase.
Hier gibt's kaum Signal.
Using "Signal" directly is fine, but "Empfang" is the idiomatic word for reception in this context.
↔Alternatives
Hier ist kaum Empfang.
There is hardly any reception here.
Hier gibt es kaum Empfang.
There is hardly any reception here.
Das Signal ist hier schwach.
The signal is weak here.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries people often check signal strength before heading out on a trip, especially in rural or mountainous regions where coverage can be spotty. "Empfang" is also used for TV or radio reception, so context matters – if you’re talking about a phone, listeners will understand you mean mobile signal.