German Phrase
Gibt's Karaoke?
Meaning
This informal question asks whether karaoke is available at the current location – a bar, a party, a club, or any gathering where music might be provided. It’s the German equivalent of “Is there karaoke?”
When to use
Use it in casual settings when you want to find out if you can sing along to a karaoke track. It works well at bars, student parties, or when you’re visiting a friend’s house and wonder if a karaoke machine is set up.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Gibt'sKaraoke?
Gibt es → Gibt's
The phrase uses the contraction "Gibt's", which combines the verb "gibt" (3rd person singular of "geben") with the dummy subject "es". It is informal and common in spoken German.
Dummy subject "es"
"Es" does not refer to anything concrete; it simply marks the existence of something, similar to the English "there is/are".
Neuter noun "Karaoke"
"Karaoke" is a borrowed neuter noun (das Karaoke). When used without an article in existential questions, the article is omitted.
🗨In Conversation
Gibt's Karaoke?
Is there karaoke?
Ja, heute Abend ab 20 Uhr im Hinterzimmer.
Yes, tonight from 8 p.m. in the back room.
✕Common Mistakes
Gibt Karaoke?
The dummy subject "es" is required; the correct form is "Gibt es Karaoke?" or the colloquial "Gibt's Karaoke?"
Gibt's das Karaoke?
In an existential question the article is omitted. Use "Gibt's Karaoke?" not "Gibt's das Karaoke?"
Gibt's Ka‑ra‑KO‑e?
In German the stress is on the last syllable: ka‑ra‑KEE, not the English "ka‑ra‑KO‑e".
↔Alternatives
Gibt es Karaoke?
Is there karaoke?
Können wir Karaoke machen?
Can we do karaoke?
Hat ihr Karaoke?
Do you have karaoke?
Cultural Tip
Karaoke became popular in German nightlife during the 1990s and is now a staple in many bars, especially in larger cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Cologne. The contraction "Gibt's" is perfectly fine in spoken German but should be avoided in formal writing. Remember that "Karaoke" is neuter – you would say "das Karaoke" if you need an article, e.g., "Das Karaoke ist super!"