German Phrase
Es ist nahe am Eingang.
Meaning
The sentence states that something (often an object, room, or facility) is located close to the entrance of a building or area. It emphasizes physical proximity rather than a vague "nearby" sense.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to give directions, describe the position of a place inside a building, or answer a location question such as "Where is the restroom?" It is common in both everyday conversation and more formal descriptions (e.g., brochures, museum guides).
✦Grammar Breakdown
EsistnaheamEingang
Dummy subject "Es"
"Es" is used as a placeholder subject when the real subject is a location or situation.
Verb "sein" (ist)
"ist" is the 3rd person singular present of "sein" and links the subject to a predicate adjective.
Adjective "nahe"
"nahe" means "close" and is used with the dative case to indicate proximity.
Preposition "an" + dative → "am"
"am" is the contraction of "an dem"; it introduces the dative noun "Eingang".
Noun "Eingang" (masc., dative)
"Eingang" means "entrance"; in the dative it stays "Eingang" (no article change because "am" already contains the article).
🗨In Conversation
Wo ist die Toilette?
Where is the restroom?
Sie ist nahe am Eingang.
It is close to the entrance.
✕Common Mistakes
Es ist nahe bei dem Eingang.
"nahe" already expresses proximity; adding "bei" is redundant.
Es ist nahe den Eingang.
"nahe" requires the dative case, not accusative.
Es ist am nahe Eingang.
The correct order is adjective before the prepositional phrase.
↔Alternatives
Es ist in der Nähe des Eingangs.
It is near the entrance.
Es liegt beim Eingang.
It is by the entrance.
Es befindet sich nahe dem Eingang.
It is situated close to the entrance.
Cultural Tip
In German, "nahe" with the dative ("nahe am") sounds slightly more formal than "in der Nähe von". Native speakers often prefer the latter in casual speech. Also, avoid the redundant "nahe bei" – either "nahe" or "bei" is sufficient to express proximity.