German Phrase
Was ist ein guter, schneller Nachtisch?
Meaning
Literally, 'What is a good, quick dessert?' The speaker is looking for a recommendation for a dessert that is both tasty and can be prepared or served quickly.
When to use
Use this question when you are at a restaurant, a potluck, or at home and need a fast dessert idea. It works well in casual conversation with friends, family, or a server who can suggest something simple and delicious.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Wasisteinguter,schnellerNachtisch?
Was (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask 'what' in German; it triggers a question word order (verb second).
ist (verb 'sein')
The third‑person singular present of 'sein', placed directly after the question word.
ein (indefinite article)
Neuter indefinite article; it agrees with the noun 'Nachtisch' (masculine) in the nominative case, so the correct form is 'ein'.
guter (adjective declension)
Adjective 'gut' with weak ending '-er' because it follows the indefinite article in the nominative masculine singular.
schneller (adjective declension)
Adjective 'schnell' also takes the weak ending '-er' for the same reason; the comma is optional but often used in spoken German to separate two adjectives.
Nachtisch (noun)
Masculine noun meaning 'dessert', used here in the nominative case as the subject of the sentence.
🗨In Conversation
Was ist ein guter, schneller Nachtisch?
What is a good, quick dessert?
Wie wäre es mit Vanillejoghurt und frischen Beeren? Das dauert nur ein paar Minuten.
How about vanilla yogurt with fresh berries? That only takes a few minutes.
✕Common Mistakes
Was ist ein gutes, schneller Nachtisch?
After the indefinite article 'ein' the adjective takes the weak ending '-er', not the strong '-es'.
Was ist ein guter, schnell Nachtisch?
When two adjectives follow an indefinite article, both need the weak ending '-er'.
Was ist der gute, schnelle Nachtisch?
The subject is indefinite, so the definite article 'der' is not appropriate here.
↔Alternatives
Was gibt es für einen schnellen, leckeren Nachtisch?
What quick, tasty dessert is there?
Kennst du ein einfaches Dessert, das gut schmeckt?
Do you know a simple dessert that tastes good?
Welcher Nachtisch lässt sich schnell zubereiten und ist lecker?
Which dessert can be prepared quickly and is delicious?
Cultural Tip
In Germany, desserts range from elaborate cakes like Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte to very simple treats such as Quark with fruit or a slice of Apfelstrudel. When you ask for a "schneller Nachtisch," native speakers often think of something that can be assembled rather than baked, like Joghurt mit Honig, Rote Grütze, or a quick fruit compote. Keep in mind that "Nachtisch" is masculine, so adjectives must be declined accordingly (ein guter, schneller Nachtisch).