German Phrase
Haben die was Vegetarisches?
Meaning
Literally: ‘Do they have something vegetarian?’ It is a quick way to ask whether a place (usually a restaurant or café) offers any vegetarian dishes or options.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal settings – when you’re chatting with friends, a waiter you know well, or when you’re at a casual eat‑in. In a more formal restaurant you’d switch to ‘Haben Sie etwas Vegetarisches?’ or ‘Gibt es vegetarische Gerichte?’
✦Grammar Breakdown
HabendiewasVegetarisches?
Haben (verb)
‘Haben’ is the present‑tense form of ‘to have’. In questions it moves to the first position.
die (pronoun)
‘die’ is the informal 3rd‑person plural pronoun meaning ‘they’. In formal speech you would use ‘Sie’.
was (colloquial for etwas)
‘was’ is a spoken shortcut for ‘etwas’ (something). It is fine in casual conversation but sounds too informal in a restaurant setting.
Vegetarisches (adjective used as a noun)
‘Vegetarisches’ is the neuter singular form of the adjective ‘vegetarisch’ used as a noun meaning ‘vegetarian thing/option’.
🗨In Conversation
Haben die was Vegetarisches?
Do they have something vegetarian?
Ja, wir haben ein veganes Curry und einen Salat mit Halloumi.
Yes, we have a vegan curry and a salad with halloumi.
✕Common Mistakes
Haben Sie was Vegetarisches?
Use ‘Sie’ when you’re addressing the staff directly; ‘die’ means ‘they’ and changes the meaning.
Haben die etwas Vegetarisches?
‘was’ is colloquial; in polite contexts replace it with ‘etwas’.
Haben die ein Vegetarisches?
Don’t add an article before ‘Vegetarisches’ when using it as a noun; the adjective already functions as a noun.
↔Alternatives
Haben Sie etwas Vegetarisches?
Do you have something vegetarian? (formal)
Gibt es vegetarische Gerichte?
Are there vegetarian dishes?
Können Sie mir ein vegetarisches Gericht empfehlen?
Can you recommend a vegetarian dish?
Cultural Tip
Germany has a strong vegetarian and vegan scene, especially in larger cities. When you ask for vegetarian food, it’s common to hear the word ‘vegetarisch’ used as a noun (e.g., ‘ein Vegetarisches’). However, ‘was’ is very colloquial; native speakers often prefer ‘etwas’ in polite contexts. Also, remember that ‘die’ refers to ‘they’; if you’re speaking directly to the staff, use the formal ‘Sie’.