German Phrase
Ist das vegetarisch?
Meaning
A short, polite way to ask whether a dish, product, or meal contains no meat. It can be used in restaurants, cafés, markets, or when someone offers you food.
When to use
Use this question when you’re unsure about the ingredients of a dish, especially in a restaurant menu, at a buffet, or when a friend offers you something you want to confirm is meat‑free.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Istdasvegetarisch?
sein (ist)
‘Ist’ is the 3rd‑person singular present of the verb sein, used for asking about a state or property.
das (demonstrative pronoun)
‘das’ points to a specific neuter noun (e.g., das Gericht, das Essen) and is placed after the verb in yes‑no questions.
vegetarisch (predicative adjective)
When an adjective follows ‘sein’, it stays in its base form without an ending.
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigung, ist das vegetarisch?
Excuse me, is this vegetarian?
Ja, das ist ein Gemüseeintopf ohne Fleisch.
Yes, it’s a vegetable stew with no meat.
✕Common Mistakes
Ist das vegetarian?
Use the German adjective ‘vegetarisch’, not the English word.
Das ist vegetarisch?
In yes‑no questions the verb must come first; ‘Ist das vegetarisch?’ is correct.
Ist das vegetarisches?
Adjectives after ‘sein’ do not take endings; keep it plain ‘vegetarisch’.
↔Alternatives
Ist das Essen vegetarisch?
Is the food vegetarian?
Ist das hier vegetarisch?
Is this vegetarian?
Ist das fleischfrei?
Is this meat‑free?
Cultural Tip
In Germany vegetarianism is very common, and many menus mark vegetarian dishes with a green leaf or a ‘V’. However, ‘vegetarisch’ only guarantees the absence of meat; dairy and eggs are usually still present. If you need a vegan option, ask “Ist das vegan?” or look for the ‘vegan’ label.