German Phrase
Isst du mit deinen Kollegen?
Meaning
Literally, ‘Do you eat with your colleagues?’ It asks whether the listener joins their coworkers for a meal, usually lunch. The question is informal and assumes a familiar relationship.
When to use
Use this sentence in a casual workplace setting when you want to know if someone usually eats together with the team, or when you’re inviting them to join you for a meal.
✦Grammar Breakdown
IsstdumitdeinenKollegen?
Isst (verb essen)
‘Isst’ is the 2nd‑person singular present form of ‘essen’ (to eat).
du (personal pronoun)
Informal ‘you’; used with friends, colleagues, or anyone you address with du.
mit (preposition)
‘mit’ always governs the dative case.
deinen (possessive adjective)
‘deinen’ is the dative masculine/plural form of ‘dein’ (your).
Kollegen (noun, plural)
‘Kollegen’ means ‘colleagues’; in this sentence it is in the dative plural because of ‘mit’.
🗨In Conversation
Isst du mit deinen Kollegen?
Do you eat with your colleagues?
Ja, wir gehen oft zusammen in die Kantine.
Yes, we often go together to the cafeteria.
✕Common Mistakes
Isst du mit deine Kollegen?
‘mit’ requires dative, so the possessive must be ‘deinen’.
Isst du mit deinen Kollege?
‘Kollegen’ is plural; the singular would be ‘Kollegen’ (masc.) or ‘Kollegin’ (fem.).
Isst du mit dein Kollegen?
Missing the dative ending on the possessive adjective.
↔Alternatives
Gehst du mit deinen Kollegen essen?
Do you go eat with your colleagues?
Machst du deine Mittagspause mit den Kollegen?
Do you take your lunch break with the colleagues?
Isst du zusammen mit deinen Kollegen?
Do you eat together with your colleagues?
Cultural Tip
In many German companies, eating together in the cafeteria (Kantine) or at a nearby restaurant is a common way to build team spirit. However, it’s also perfectly acceptable to eat alone, especially if you have a tight schedule. When you ask this question, keep the tone friendly and informal – using ‘du’ signals that you’re on familiar terms.