German Phrase
Ja, ich bin's.
Meaning
The sentence means “Yes, it’s me.” It is used to confirm one’s identity after someone asks who is speaking or knocks on a door. The contraction makes it sound natural and friendly.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal spoken German when you want to answer a question like “Wer ist da?” (Who’s there?) or when you’re confirming that you are the person being referred to. It’s perfect for phone calls, doorbells, or casual chats.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ja,ichbin's
Ja (affirmation)
Ja means “yes” and is used to confirm or agree with a statement or question.
ich (subject pronoun)
Ich is the first‑person singular pronoun, always placed before the verb.
bin’s (contraction of bin es)
Bin’s is the spoken contraction of the verb bin + the pronoun es. It is common in informal conversation but avoided in formal writing.
Comma after Ja
In German a comma is placed after an introductory word like Ja when it is followed by a complete clause.
🗨In Conversation
Wer ist an der Tür?
Who’s at the door?
Ja, ich bin's.
Yes, it’s me.
✕Common Mistakes
Ja, ich bin es.
In casual speech the contraction bin’s is preferred; using the full form sounds stiff.
Ja ich bin's.
A comma is required after Ja when it introduces a clause.
Ja, ich bins.
Do not drop the apostrophe; it signals the contraction of "bin es".
↔Alternatives
Ja, das bin ich.
Yes, that’s me.
Ja, ich bin es.
Yes, I am.
Genau, ich bin's.
Exactly, it’s me.
Cultural Tip
The contraction bin’s is typical of everyday spoken German, especially among friends and family. In written German, especially in formal emails or letters, you would write the full form: „Ja, ich bin es.“ Using the contraction in a formal setting can sound too casual.