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German Phrase

Hab Reste mitgebracht.

/hap ˈʁɛstə ˈmɪtɡəˌbʁaːx(t)/
Meaning"I brought leftovers."
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Meaning

Literally, “I have brought leftovers.” It is used to tell someone that you are bringing food that is left over from a previous meal. The phrase is informal and often heard among friends or family.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you arrive at a gathering, a potluck, or a friend's house and want to let people know you are contributing leftover food. It works best in casual conversation; in a formal setting you would say “Ich habe Reste mitgebracht.”

✦Grammar Breakdown

HabRestemitgebracht

1

Verb position (V2)

In main clauses, the finite verb (hab) occupies the second position; the rest of the sentence follows.

2

Colloquial contraction

"Hab" is the spoken short form of "habe" and is used in informal contexts.

3

Participle verb "mitgebracht"

"mitgebracht" is a past participle formed from "mitbringen" and appears at the end of the clause.

4

Plural noun "Reste"

"Reste" is the plural of "Rest" and refers to leftovers, usually food.

🗨In Conversation

A

Was hast du zum Abendessen mitgebracht?

What did you bring for dinner?

Hab Reste mitgebracht.

I brought leftovers.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Hab Reste mitgebracht.

    In formal writing or polite conversation, use the full form "ich habe" instead of the colloquial "hab".

  • Hab Rest mitgebracht.

    "Rest" is singular and usually means a single remainder, not multiple leftovers.

  • Hab mitgebracht Reste.

    German places the past participle at the end of the clause; the correct order is "Reste mitgebracht".

↔Alternatives

  • Ich habe Reste mitgebracht.

    I have brought leftovers.

  • Ich bringe Reste mit.

    I am bringing leftovers.

  • Ich habe noch etwas übrig und bringe das mit.

    I still have something left over and I'm bringing that.

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Cultural Tip

In German-speaking households, it’s common to bring leftovers to informal gatherings as a way of sharing food and reducing waste. Using the short form “hab” signals a relaxed, friendly tone; in a business or formal context you should keep the full “ich habe”. Also, “Reste” usually refers to food; for other kinds of leftovers you would use a more specific word (e.g., “Überschuss” for surplus material).