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German Phrase

Gibt's da 'ne Beilage dazu?

/ɡɪpt͡s daː nɛ ˈbaɪ̯laːɡə daˈt͡suː/
Meaning"Is there a side dish with that?"
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Meaning

This informal German phrase is used to ask if a main course comes with a side dish. The 's in 'Gibt's' is a contraction of 'es', and ''ne' is a colloquial shortening of 'eine'. It's a common way to inquire about what's included with a meal.

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When to use

You would typically use this phrase in a restaurant, cafe, or any dining setting when ordering food. It's perfect for asking a waiter or server if a particular dish, like a steak or schnitzel, includes a side dish such as potatoes, vegetables, or salad, or if you need to order it separately.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Gibt'sda'neBeilagedazu?

1

Gibt's

This is a common informal contraction of 'Gibt es' (There is/Are). It's widely used in spoken German and makes your speech sound more natural and fluent.

2

da

In this context, 'da' acts as a placeholder referring back to the main dish being discussed, similar to 'there' or 'with that' in English, but often more implicit.

3

'ne

This is an informal, colloquial shortening of 'eine' (a/an). It's very common in everyday spoken German, especially in casual settings.

4

Beilage

This noun means 'side dish' or 'accompaniment'. It's a feminine noun, so it takes 'eine' or ''ne' in the nominative/accusative singular.

5

dazu

This adverb means 'to that', 'with that', or 'in addition to that'. It's crucial here to link the side dish to the main course.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ich hätte gerne das Schnitzel Wiener Art.

I would like the Wiener Schnitzel.

Gibt's da 'ne Beilage dazu?

Is there a side dish with that?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Gibt es da eine Beilage mit?

    While 'mit' means 'with', 'dazu' is the correct preposition to indicate 'in addition to' or 'accompanying' a main dish in this context.

  • Ist eine Beilage da?

    This is grammatically correct but sounds less natural for asking about a side dish accompanying a meal. 'Gibt's dazu...' is the more idiomatic expression.

  • Gibt es da eine Beilage zu?

    While 'zu' can mean 'to' or 'for', 'dazu' (da + zu) is the correct compound adverb meaning 'to that' or 'with that' in this specific context.

↔Alternatives

  • Gibt es dazu eine Beilage?

    Is there a side dish with that? (More formal)

  • Ist eine Beilage inklusive?

    Is a side dish included?

  • Was gibt es dazu als Beilage?

    What is there as a side dish with that?

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Cultural Tip

In German-speaking countries, especially in traditional restaurants, main courses often come with specific side dishes, but sometimes they are ordered à la carte. It's perfectly normal and expected to ask about what's included. Germans tend to be quite direct in their communication, so this question is considered polite and practical, not rude. Beilage (side dish) is a very common concept, and it's good to know what options you have.