Clarify expectations for a bring-and-share buffet in German

The idea

A Mitbringbuffet or Mitbringparty is common in Germany at birthday parties among friends, school and Kita events, club parties and office celebrations. Guests typically bring a salad, a dip, bread, a cake or a casserole; the host often provides drinks and plates, though this varies. Many groups use a list or chat to share out savoury dishes, desserts and drinks. Grammar: “jeder” is singular, so the verb is “bringt”; “mitbringen” and “abstimmen” are separable, so the prefix goes to the end of the main clause.

Other ways to say it

“Gibt es eine Liste, wer was mitbringt?” – Neutral; asks whether dishes are already being coordinated.

“Fehlt noch eher etwas Süßes oder etwas Herzhaftes?” – Helpful offer to fill a gap on the buffet.

“Für wie viele Leute sollte ich ungefähr planen?” – Polite with the softer “sollte”; asks about quantity.

Examples

• Was bedeutet bei eurer Einladung jeder bringt etwas mit?What does everyone brings something mean in your invitation?
• Wir sammeln verschiedene Beiträge für ein gemeinsames Buffet.We will collect different contributions for a shared buffet.
• Soll jeder für die ganze Gruppe kochen?Should everyone cook for the whole group?
• Nein, eine kleinere Menge pro Person reicht bei uns.No, a smaller amount per person is enough for us.
• Dann stimme ich mein Gericht vorher mit euch ab.Then I will agree on my dish with you beforehand.
• So haben wir eine passende Mischung auf dem Tisch.That way we will have a suitable variety on the table.

Watch out

“Jeder bringen etwas mit.” → “Jeder bringt etwas mit.”: “Jeder” feels like a group, so learners use a plural verb. Grammatically it is singular, like English “everyone brings”, so the verb takes the third person singular ending -t.

Try it yourself

1. Translate into German: What does everyone brings something mean in your invitation?

   Show answer or example answer

   Was bedeutet bei eurer Einladung jeder bringt etwas mit?

   “Was bedeutet …?” asks for a meaning. The quoted phrase “jeder bringt etwas mit” keeps its own word order, so in writing it belongs in quotation marks; “bei eurer Einladung” is dative.

2. Put the words in order: die / für / ganze / Gruppe / jeder / kochen / Soll

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   Soll jeder für die ganze Gruppe kochen?

   “Soll jeder …?” uses singular “soll” with “jeder”. “Für die ganze Gruppe” is accusative after für, and the infinitive “kochen” closes the question.

3. Write this sentence in German: That way we will have a suitable variety on the table.

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   So haben wir eine passende Mischung auf dem Tisch.

   “So” at the start means “that way”, so the verb “haben” comes second. “Auf dem Tisch” is dative because it describes location, not movement.

Use it today

Your sports club announces a summer party where everyone brings something. Write a message to the organiser saying what you would like to bring and asking whether that is still missing.