German Phrase
Hast du Geschwister?
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to ask someone if they have brothers or sisters. In German, 'Geschwister' is a collective plural noun that covers both genders, making it more efficient than asking for brothers and sisters separately.
When to use
Use this when getting to know someone in a casual or social setting. It is a common icebreaker during small talk to learn more about a person's family background.
✦Grammar Breakdown
HastduGeschwister?
Hast (haben)
This is the second-person singular conjugation of the verb 'haben' (to have).
du
The informal pronoun for 'you', used with friends, family, and peers.
Geschwister
A plural noun that translates to 'siblings'. Note that it does not have a singular form to mean 'a sibling'; you would use 'Bruder' or 'Schwester' instead.
🗨In Conversation
Hast du Geschwister?
Do you have siblings?
Ja, ich habe einen Bruder und zwei Schwestern.
Yes, I have one brother and two sisters.
✕Common Mistakes
Hast du eine Geschwister?
'Geschwister' is plural, so it should not be used with the singular indefinite article 'eine'.
Haben Sie Geschwistern?
The plural noun is 'Geschwister'; do not add an 'n' at the end in the accusative case unless it is dural plural (which doesn't apply here).
↔Alternatives
Hast du Brüder oder Schwestern?
Do you have brothers or sisters?
Bist du ein Einzelkind?
Are you an only child?
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking countries, asking about family is a standard part of getting to know someone. The word 'Geschwister' is very common because it avoids the wordiness of 'Brüder und Schwestern'.