German Phrase
Können wir unseren eigenen Kuchen mitbringen?
Meaning
This sentence asks for permission: 'Can we bring our own cake?' It is a polite way to check with the host whether it is acceptable to contribute a homemade cake to the event.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are invited to a birthday, a potluck, a family gathering, or any celebration where food is shared, and you want to bring a cake you baked yourself.
✦Grammar Breakdown
KönnenwirunsereneigenenKuchenmitbringen?
Können (modal verb)
Können is the modal verb meaning 'can' and is used to ask for permission or ability. It conjugates as können → können, kannst, kann, können, könnt, können.
wir (subject pronoun)
Wir is the first‑person plural pronoun meaning 'we'. It is placed directly after the modal verb in a question.
unseren eigenen (possessive + adjective)
Unseren is the accusative masculine form of the possessive pronoun 'our'. It must agree with the noun Kuchen (masculine, accusative). Eigenen is an attributive adjective also in accusative masculine, taking the weak ending -en after the possessive.
Kuchen (noun)
Kuchen is a masculine noun meaning 'cake'. In this sentence it is the direct object, therefore accusative.
mitbringen (separable verb)
Mitbringen is a separable verb. In main clauses the prefix 'mit' moves to the end of the clause, but after a modal verb it stays attached to the infinitive.
🗨In Conversation
Können wir unseren eigenen Kuchen mitbringen?
Can we bring our own cake?
Ja, das wäre schön. Wir freuen uns darauf!
Yes, that would be nice. We’re looking forward to it!
✕Common Mistakes
Können wir unsere eigenen Kuchen mitbringen?
The possessive must be in accusative masculine (unseren) to match Kuchen.
Können wir unseren eigenen Kuchen mit bringen?
After a modal verb the infinitive stays together; do not split it into 'mit' and 'bringen'.
Können wir unseren eigenen Kuchen mitbringen?
In a polite request you could also use 'dürfen wir' for a more formal tone.
↔Alternatives
Dürfen wir unseren Kuchen mitbringen?
May we bring our cake?
Wollen wir unseren eigenen Kuchen mitbringen?
Shall we bring our own cake?
Ist es okay, wenn wir einen Kuchen mitbringen?
Is it okay if we bring a cake?
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking households it is common to ask the host before bringing extra food, especially a cake, because the host often plans the menu. Using a polite modal verb like können or dürfen shows respect and avoids any surprise. Also, note that "Kuchen" can refer to a wide range of baked desserts, from simple pound cake to elaborate layered cakes.