German Phrase
Wie wär's mit einem Kompromiss?
Meaning
Literally, 'How would it be with a compromise?' It is a friendly way to propose a middle‑ground solution when two parties disagree.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal conversations—among friends, colleagues, or family—when you want to suggest a compromise without sounding too forceful. It works well after a brief disagreement or when brainstorming alternatives.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Wiewär'smiteinemKompromiss?
Wie (interrogative)
Used to introduce a suggestion or question, similar to 'how about' in English.
wär's (contraction)
Short for 'wäre es', the subjunctive II of 'sein' used for polite or hypothetical suggestions.
mit + Dativ
The preposition 'mit' always governs the dative case; therefore 'einem' is the dative form of 'ein'.
Kompromiss (noun)
A masculine noun meaning 'compromise'; its article in dative singular is 'dem', but with the indefinite article it becomes 'einem'.
🗨In Conversation
Ich finde, wir sollten das Projekt bis Freitag fertig haben.
I think we should finish the project by Friday.
Wie wär's mit einem Kompromiss? Wir könnten die wichtigsten Teile bis Freitag fertigstellen und den Rest nächste Woche abschließen.
How about a compromise? We could finish the essential parts by Friday and wrap up the rest next week.
✕Common Mistakes
Wie wär's mit einen Kompromiss?
The preposition 'mit' requires the dative case, so the correct article is 'einem', not the accusative 'einen'.
Wie wär mit einem Kompromiss?
The correct subjunctive form is 'wär's' (contraction of 'wäre es'). Using 'wär' alone is non‑standard.
↔Alternatives
Wie wäre es mit einem Kompromiss?
How about a compromise?
Könnten wir einen Kompromiss finden?
Could we find a compromise?
Lass uns einen Mittelweg suchen.
Let's look for a middle ground.
Cultural Tip
The contraction 'wär's' is colloquial and best used in casual settings. In formal business meetings, stick to the full form 'Wie wäre es …'. Also, Germans appreciate directness, so offering a compromise is seen as constructive rather than evasive.