German Phrase
Bring ruhig dein eigenes mit.
Meaning
The sentence politely invites someone to bring their own item (food, drink, equipment, etc.) without hesitation. ‘Ruhig’ adds a friendly, encouraging tone, making the request sound casual and welcoming.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal settings such as pot‑luck parties, picnics, or when a host wants guests to feel comfortable bringing something of their own. It works well in spoken German among friends, family, or colleagues.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Bringruhigdeineigenesmit
Imperative (Bring)
‘Bring’ is the 2nd‑person singular imperative of the verb ‘bringen’ (to bring).
Modal particle (ruhig)
‘Ruhig’ is a modal particle that softens the command, meaning ‘feel free to’ or ‘go ahead and’.
Possessive pronoun (dein)
‘Dein’ shows ownership and agrees with the neuter noun that is implied (e.g., ‘Essen’).
Adjective ending (eigenes)
‘Eigenes’ is the strong neuter nominative singular ending –es, used because the noun is omitted.
Separable verb particle (mit)
‘Mit’ belongs to the separable verb ‘mitbringen’; in the imperative it is placed at the end of the clause.
🗨In Conversation
Wir machen am Samstag ein Grillfest. Bring ruhig dein eigenes mit.
We're having a barbecue on Saturday. Feel free to bring your own.
Klar, ich bringe einen Salat mit.
Sure, I'll bring a salad.
✕Common Mistakes
Bring quiet dein eigenes mit.
Learners sometimes think ‘ruhig’ means ‘quiet’; here it’s a modal particle meaning ‘feel free to’. Do not translate it literally.
Bring ruhig deine eigene mit.
The adjective must match the implied neuter noun; using the wrong ending (e.g., ‘deine eigene’) is incorrect.
Mit bring ruhig dein eigenes.
In the imperative the separable prefix must stay at the end; placing it before the verb (e.g., ‘mit bring’) is wrong.
↔Alternatives
Bring gern dein eigenes mit.
Bring your own gladly.
Bring doch dein eigenes mit.
Just bring your own.
Bring einfach dein eigenes mit.
Just bring your own.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries it’s common to ask guests to contribute something to a shared meal. The particle ‘ruhig’ softens the request and signals that the host does not expect the guest to bring anything, but it’s perfectly fine if they do. Using modal particles like ‘ruhig’ makes the sentence sound natural and friendly, especially in casual conversation.