German Phrase
Wer nutzt die reservierten Plätze?
Meaning
The sentence asks for the identity of the person or people who are currently occupying the seats that have been set aside in advance. It can refer to seats on a train, in a theater, at a conference, or any other setting where some places are reserved.
When to use
Use this question when you need to find out who is sitting in the reserved spots – for example, if you suspect someone is taking a seat that should be left free for a ticket holder, or when a staff member checks compliance with reservation rules.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WernutztdiereserviertenPlätze?
Wer (question word)
‘Wer’ asks about a person and is used as the subject of the sentence.
nutzt (verb nutzen)
‘nutzt’ is the 3rd‑person singular present of ‘nutzen’ (to use).
die (definite article, accusative plural)
‘die’ marks the plural noun ‘Plätze’ as the direct object in the accusative case.
reservierten (adjective, weak declension)
‘reservierten’ is a past participle used as an adjective; with the definite article it takes the weak ending –en.
Plätze (noun, plural, accusative)
‘Plätze’ means ‘seats/places’; in this sentence it is the object that is being used.
🗨In Conversation
Wer nutzt die reservierten Plätze?
Who is using the reserved seats?
Das sind die Fahrgäste aus der Gruppe, die wir vorher angemeldet haben.
Those are the passengers from the group we registered earlier.
✕Common Mistakes
Wer nutzt der reservierten Plätze?
‘der’ is the genitive feminine singular article; the noun is plural accusative, so the correct article is ‘die’.
Wer nutzt die reservierte Plätze?
The adjective must agree with the plural noun; it needs the weak ending –en after a definite article.
Wer benutzt die reservierten Plätze?
‘benutzen’ is also correct, but learners often mix the two verbs; keep the verb consistent with the context.
↔Alternatives
Wer verwendet die reservierten Plätze?
Who uses the reserved seats?
Wer sitzt auf den reservierten Plätzen?
Who is sitting on the reserved seats?
Wer hat die reservierten Plätze belegt?
Who has taken the reserved seats?
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries reserved seats are common on trains (especially ICE and IC), in cinemas, and at conferences. It is considered impolite to occupy a reserved place without a valid reservation, and staff may politely ask ‘Wer nutzt die reservierten Plätze?’ to enforce the rule. In formal settings you might use the more polite ‘Entschuldigung, darf ich fragen, wer die reservierten Plätze nutzt?’