German Phrase
Sorry, heute Abend gibt's nur kalte Getränke.
Meaning
This phrase is a casual way to inform someone that no hot beverages like coffee or tea are available. It uses the common contraction 'gibt's' for 'gibt es', which is standard in spoken German. The sentence structure places the time element 'heute Abend' early for emphasis.
When to use
Use this during informal social gatherings, parties, or spontaneous visits when you haven't prepared hot drinks. It's ideal for a relaxed atmosphere among friends or acquaintances.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sorry,heute Abendgibt'snurkalteGetränke
Gibt's (Gibt es)
This is a very common contraction in spoken German meaning 'there is' or 'there are'. It always takes the accusative case.
Adjective Declension
'Kalte' ends in '-e' because it describes a plural noun (Getränke) in the accusative case without a definite article.
🗨In Conversation
Hättest du vielleicht einen heißen Tee für mich?
Would you perhaps have a hot tea for me?
Sorry, heute Abend gibt's nur kalte Getränke.
Sorry, tonight there are only cold drinks.
✕Common Mistakes
Sorry, heute Abend ist nur kalte Getränke.
In German, use 'es gibt' to express 'there is/are' for availability, not the verb 'sein'.
Sorry, heute Abend gibt's nur kalt Getränke.
The adjective must have the correct ending '-e' to agree with the plural noun 'Getränke'.
↔Alternatives
Es gibt heute Abend leider nur Kaltgetränke.
Unfortunately, there are only cold drinks tonight.
Wir haben heute nur kalte Getränke da.
We only have cold drinks available today.
Cultural Tip
In Germany, offering a drink is a standard gesture of hospitality. While coffee and cake are staples of afternoon visits, evening gatherings often shift toward cold beverages like beer, wine, or 'Schorle'. Being direct about what is available is considered helpful rather than rude.