German Phrase
Gibt's Durchsagen?
Meaning
Literally ‘Are there announcements?’, this short question asks whether any public announcements are being made at the moment. It is common in places with a PA system such as train stations, airports, schools or offices.
When to use
Use it when you arrive in a location with a public address system and want to know if any information is being broadcast – e.g., before boarding a train, entering a conference hall, or waiting in a school corridor.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Gibt'sDurchsagen?
Gibt's = Gibt es
‘Gibt's’ is the colloquial contraction of the impersonal construction ‘gibt es’, where ‘geben’ is used like ‘there is/are’.
Accusative after ‘gibt es’
The noun following ‘gibt es’ appears in the accusative case; ‘Durchsagen’ is the plural accusative of ‘Durchsage’.
Plural noun ‘Durchsagen’
‘Durchsage’ (announcement) becomes ‘Durchsagen’ in the plural; it is used when you expect more than one announcement.
Question word order
In yes‑no questions the verb (or its contracted form) moves to the first position: ‘Gibt’s …?’
🗨In Conversation
Gibt's Durchsagen?
Are there any announcements?
Ja, gleich kommt die Durchsage über die Gleisänderung.
Yes, the announcement about the platform change is coming shortly.
✕Common Mistakes
Gibt Durchsagen?
Missing the dummy ‘es’; the impersonal construction requires ‘gibt es’.
Gibt's Durchsage?
‘Durchsage’ is singular; the question asks for any announcements, so the plural ‘Durchsagen’ is appropriate.
Gibt's Durchsagen
In written German you should end the question with a question mark.
↔Alternatives
Gibt es Durchsagen?
Are there announcements?
Gibt es irgendwelche Durchsagen?
Are there any announcements at all?
Stehen Durchsagen an?
Are announcements scheduled?
Cultural Tip
‘Gibt's’ is informal and fits everyday conversation. In written or formal contexts (e.g., official emails) you should use the full form ‘Gibt es …?’. Also, Germans often refer to the PA system simply as ‘Durchsage’, so the plural ‘Durchsagen’ signals you expect more than one broadcast.