German Phrase
Frag, bevor du extra Gäste mitbringst.
Meaning
The sentence is a polite command telling someone to ask for permission before bringing additional guests. It is often used in contexts where the number of attendees matters, such as private parties, restaurant reservations, or organized events.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to remind a guest, colleague, or friend that they should check with the host before inviting extra people. It works well in invitations, event reminders, or when discussing seating capacity at a restaurant.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Frag,bevorduextraGästemitbringst.
Imperative (du)
‘Frag’ is the du‑imperative of the verb ‘fragen’; the verb stem is used without the ending ‘-st’.
Subordinate clause with ‘bevor’
‘bevor’ introduces a subordinate clause, so the conjugated verb ‘mitbringst’ moves to the end of that clause.
Adverb ‘extra’
‘extra’ functions as an adverb meaning ‘additional’ or ‘extra’, placed before the noun it modifies.
Verb ‘mitbringen’
‘mitbringen’ is a separable verb; in the subordinate clause the prefix ‘mit‑’ stays attached to the verb stem at the end.
🗨In Conversation
Darf ich noch einen Freund mitbringen?
May I bring a friend along?
Frag, bevor du extra Gäste mitbringst.
Ask before you bring extra guests.
✕Common Mistakes
Fragst, bevor du extra Gäste mitbringst.
‘Fragst’ is the present‑tense form; the correct imperative for ‘du’ drops the ‘‑st’.
Frag, bevor du extra Gäste mitbringen.
In a ‘bevor’ clause the verb must go to the end; ‘mitbringen’ should be conjugated and placed last.
Frag, bevor du Gäste extra mitbringst.
‘Extra’ is an adverb; placing it after the noun sounds unnatural.
↔Alternatives
Bitte frage vorher, ob du weitere Gäste mitbringen darfst.
Please ask beforehand if you may bring additional guests.
Erkundige dich, bevor du noch mehr Personen mitbringst.
Find out before you bring more people.
Kläre das vorher, falls du zusätzliche Gäste einladen willst.
Clarify it beforehand if you want to invite extra guests.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries it is considered courteous to ask the host before bringing extra people, especially at private gatherings or when seating is limited. Using ‘extra’ emphasizes that the guests are beyond the originally planned number, which can affect food, seating, and costs. The imperative form ‘Frag’ sounds firm yet friendly when paired with a polite tone of voice.