German Phrase
Ist das hier heute Abend frei?
Meaning
You are asking whether a particular place, seat, or appointment is available this evening. It can be used in restaurants, theaters, or when checking a time slot.
When to use
Use this question when you want to know if a table, a venue, or a time slot is still open for reservation tonight. It works both in casual conversation and in more formal settings like calling a hotel or a service provider.
✦Grammar Breakdown
IstdashierheuteAbendfrei?
Verb 'sein' (Ist)
‘Ist’ is the 3rd person singular present of ‘sein’, used for statements about a single subject.
Demonstrative pronoun (das)
‘das’ refers to a neuter noun that has been mentioned or is visible; it functions as the subject of the sentence.
Adverb of place (hier)
‘hier’ means ‘here’ and specifies the location of the thing you are asking about.
Time expression (heute Abend)
‘heute Abend’ (or ‘heute abends’) means ‘this evening’; it is a fixed time phrase placed before the adjective.
Predicative adjective (frei)
‘frei’ is used predicatively after ‘sein’ to indicate availability or that something is not occupied.
🗨In Conversation
Ist das hier heute Abend frei?
Is this free tonight?
Ja, wir haben noch einen Tisch für Sie frei.
Yes, we still have a table available for you.
✕Common Mistakes
Sind das hier heute Abend frei?
‘sind’ is the plural form of ‘sein’; the subject ‘das’ is singular, so ‘ist’ is required.
Ist das hier heute Abend abends frei?
‘heute abends’ is acceptable, but when combined with ‘heute Abend’ you should not add the extra ‘s’. Use one or the other.
Ist das hier heute Abend frei sein?
When using ‘sein’ as the main verb, you do not add another ‘sein’ after ‘frei’. The adjective stands alone.
↔Alternatives
Ist das heute Abend noch frei?
Is this still free tonight?
Haben Sie heute Abend noch einen freien Platz?
Do you still have a free spot this evening?
Können wir heute Abend hier einen Tisch reservieren?
Can we reserve a table here this evening?
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries it is common to ask about availability with ‘frei’. When speaking to staff, using the polite form ‘Sie’ (as in the dialogue) shows respect. You can also say ‘heute abends’ instead of ‘heute Abend’; both are correct, but ‘heute Abend’ sounds slightly more formal. Omitting ‘hier’ is possible if the context is clear – e.g., ‘Ist das heute Abend frei?’