French Phrase
Qu'est-ce que tu proposes comme desserts ?
Meaning
Literally, 'What is it that you suggest as desserts?' It is a polite way to ask someone for dessert ideas or what they would like to serve after a meal.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are planning a meal with friends, at a dinner party, or when a colleague asks for input on a menu. It works in both informal and semi‑formal contexts, as long as you keep the tone friendly.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Qu'est-cequetuproposescommedesserts?
Qu'est-ce que
A fixed interrogative phrase meaning 'what' or 'what is it that', formed by the contraction of 'que' + 'est' + 'ce' + 'que'.
Subject‑verb inversion
In this question the subject 'tu' follows the verb 'proposes' without inversion because the interrogative phrase 'Qu'est-ce que' already introduces the question.
Proposer + comme + nom
The verb 'proposer' can be followed by 'comme' to introduce a suggestion or example, similar to English 'to suggest as'.
Plural noun without article
When speaking about things in general, French often omits the article before a plural noun after 'comme', e.g., 'comme desserts'.
Pronunciation liaison
A liaison occurs between 'proposes' and 'comme' (pro‑po‑zə‿kɔm), linking the final /z/ to the following vowel.
🗨In Conversation
Qu'est-ce que tu proposes comme desserts ?
What do you suggest for desserts?
Je pensais à une tarte aux pommes et à une mousse au chocolat.
I was thinking of an apple tart and a chocolate mousse.
✕Common Mistakes
Qu'est‑ce que tu proposes de desserts ?
Use 'comme' after 'proposer' to introduce the kind of thing you suggest, not 'de'.
Qu'est‑ce que proposes comme desserts ?
In informal speech you can drop 'tu', but the full form is preferred in polite conversation.
Qu'est‑ce que tu proposes en desserts ?
'En' would mean 'in desserts' and changes the meaning; the correct preposition is 'comme'.
↔Alternatives
Quel dessert proposes‑tu ?
Which dessert are you proposing?
Qu'est‑ce que tu veux servir comme dessert ?
What would you like to serve as dessert?
Tu as une idée de dessert ?
Do you have any dessert idea?
Cultural Tip
In French dining culture, dessert is often a separate course after the cheese plate. When suggesting desserts, it's common to mention both a fruit‑based option (like tarte aux pommes) and something richer (like mousse au chocolat) to please a range of tastes. Also, avoid overly sweet or heavy desserts during summer meals; lighter options such as sorbet are preferred.