Ellipsen grammar in German

Language: German
Level: B2
Unit: Satzverkürzung und Ellipse
Practice types: 0

What this grammar point covers

In German, 'Ellipsen' are sentences where some words are left out because they are understood from the context. This makes the sentence shorter and more natural.

When to use it

Ellipsen are often used in conversations, headlines, or when you want to avoid repeating information that is already clear. They make speech and writing more concise.

Key forms

Omitting the verb: 'Ich kann schwimmen, du nicht.'
Omitting the subject: 'Gehe ich ins Kino, du ins Theater.'
Omitting both subject and verb: 'Noch Kaffee?'

Examples

Ich gehe ins Kino, du ins Theater.

English: I go to the cinema, you (go) to the theater.

Noch Kaffee?

English: More coffee?

Er liest ein Buch, sie eine Zeitung.

English: He reads a book, she (reads) a newspaper.

Kannst du Deutsch? – Ein bisschen.

English: Can you speak German? – A little.

Ich mag Pizza, meine Schwester nicht.

English: I like pizza, my sister (does) not.

Tips

Make sure the meaning is still clear even when you leave words out.
Ellipsen are more common in spoken German and informal writing.
Don't use ellipses in very formal texts or when the meaning could be misunderstood.