German Phrase
Ist Robert da?
Meaning
A short yes/no question that asks whether Robert is present at the current location or in a given place. It can be used in both informal and neutral contexts.
When to use
Use this sentence when you arrive at a meeting, a party, an office, or any setting and want to check if Robert has already arrived or is still there.
✦Grammar Breakdown
IstRobertda?
Verb‑first in yes/no questions
In German yes/no questions the finite verb comes first, followed by the subject.
sein (to be) – 3rd person singular
‘Ist’ is the present‑tense form of ‘sein’ for he/she/it.
da – adverb of location
‘da’ means ‘there’ or ‘present’; it is used to ask about someone’s whereabouts.
🗨In Conversation
Ist Robert da?
Is Robert there?
Ja, er wartet schon im Flur.
Yes, he’s already waiting in the hallway.
✕Common Mistakes
Robert ist da?
In a yes/no question the verb must precede the subject; ‘Robert ist da?’ sounds like a statement with rising intonation, not a proper question.
Ist da Robert?
While understandable, this word order is unusual and can sound poetic; stick to ‘Ist Robert da?’ for everyday speech.
Ist Robert hier?
‘Hier’ means ‘here’; it’s not wrong, but ‘da’ is the idiomatic choice when you’re not specifying a precise spot.
↔Alternatives
Ist Robert hier?
Is Robert here?
Kommt Robert?
Is Robert coming?
Ist Robert anwesend?
Is Robert present?
Cultural Tip
‘Da’ is the go‑to word for asking about someone’s presence in everyday German. It works in both casual and semi‑formal settings. If you need a more formal tone, you can say ‘Ist Herr Robert anwesend?’ but most native speakers simply use the short form.