German Phrase
Was sind gute Manieren als Gast?
Meaning
The sentence asks for a list or description of proper etiquette that a person should follow when they are a guest, for example at a friend's house, a dinner party, or a hotel.
When to use
Use this question when you want advice on polite behavior in a social setting where you are not the host – before visiting someone, staying at a B&B, or attending a formal gathering.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WassindguteManierenalsGast?
Was (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask a question about something unknown; it stands at the beginning of a yes‑no or information question.
sind (verb "sein")
Third‑person plural present of "sein"; matches the plural noun "Manieren".
gute (adjective, weak declension)
Adjective preceding a plural noun with no article takes the weak ending "-e".
Manieren (plural noun)
Means "manners" or "etiquette"; always used in the plural when speaking about behavior in general.
als (conjunction/preposition)
Here it introduces a role or status – "as a guest" – and does not affect case; the noun stays in the nominative.
Gast (noun, masculine)
Means "guest"; in this construction it stays in the nominative because "als" does not assign a case.
🗨In Conversation
Was sind gute Manieren als Gast?
What are good manners as a guest?
Man sollte pünktlich kommen, ein kleines Geschenk mitbringen und nach dem Essen helfen, das Geschirr abzuräumen.
You should arrive on time, bring a small gift, and help clear the dishes after the meal.
✕Common Mistakes
Was sind guten Manieren als Gast?
With a plural noun and no article the adjective takes the weak ending "-e", not "-en".
Was sind gute Manieren als der Gast?
"Als" does not require a definite article; adding "der" makes the sentence ungrammatical.
Was sind gute Manieren als Gastes?
The noun after "als" stays in the nominative, not the genitive.
↔Alternatives
Wie benimmt man sich als Gast?
How should one behave as a guest?
Welche Etikette gilt für Gäste?
Which etiquette applies to guests?
Was sollte man als Gast beachten?
What should one keep in mind as a guest?
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking cultures punctuality is a sign of respect, so arriving a few minutes early is expected. It is customary to bring a small token (like flowers or a bottle of wine) for the host, and to thank the host personally before leaving. Avoid overstaying; a good rule of thumb is to leave after the main course or when the host signals the end of the gathering.