German Phrase
Was ist bei diesem Essen dabei?
Meaning
The sentence asks what components, side dishes, or extra items are included with the particular meal being discussed. It can refer to sauces, garnishes, drinks, or any additional part of the dish.
When to use
Use this question when you are at a restaurant, a buffet, or a friend's house and you want to know what comes with the main dish—e.g., whether a salad, sauce, or dessert is part of the order.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WasistbeidiesemEssendabei?
Interrogativpronomen "Was"
"Was" is used to ask about things or objects. It occupies the first position in a yes‑no or wh‑question.
Verb‑2 (V2) word order
In German main clauses the finite verb occupies the second position. In a question the subject follows the verb.
Preposition "bei" + Dativ
"bei" governs the dative case; here it introduces the reference point "diesem Essen".
Demonstrative "diesem" (Dativ)
"diesem" is the dative masculine/neuter form of "dieser" and agrees with the noun "Essen".
Noun "Essen" (Neutrum, Dativ)
"Essen" is a neuter noun; in the dative singular it takes the ending "-en".
Adverb "dabei"
"dabei" means "included/with it" and is placed at the end of the clause for emphasis.
🗨In Conversation
Was ist bei diesem Essen dabei?
What comes with this dish?
Dazu gibt es Pommes, Krautsalat und ein kleines Glas Weißwein.
It comes with fries, coleslaw, and a small glass of white wine.
✕Common Mistakes
Was ist bei diesen Essen dabei?
The preposition "bei" requires dative; "diesem" is correct, but learners sometimes use the accusative "diesen".
Was dabei ist bei diesem Essen?
"dabei" should stay at the end; moving it before the verb sounds unnatural.
Was bei diesem Essen dabei?
In a yes‑no question the verb stays in second position; omitting it leads to a fragment.
↔Alternatives
Was gehört zu diesem Essen?
What belongs to this meal?
Was ist in diesem Gericht enthalten?
What is contained in this dish?
Was wird zu diesem Essen serviert?
What is served with this food?
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking countries it is common for menus to list "inklusive" (included) items, but asking "Was ist dabei?" shows politeness and genuine interest. Be aware that "dabei" can also imply a complimentary side, so the answer often mentions free accompaniments rather than extra‑charge items.