German Phrase
Was soll ich zur Party mitbringen?
Meaning
You are asking the host what you are expected or invited to bring to a party. The question is polite and assumes the host may have a suggestion, such as food, drinks, or a small gift.
When to use
Use this sentence right before you attend a private gathering, birthday party, or any informal celebration where the host hasn't explicitly told you what to bring. It shows consideration and helps you avoid bringing something unnecessary.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WassollichzurPartymitbringen?
Was (interrogative)
The word 'was' asks for information; it functions as the question word at the beginning of the sentence.
soll (modal verb)
The modal verb 'sollen' expresses advice or expectation; in the present tense it is conjugated as 'soll' for 'ich'.
ich (subject pronoun)
The personal pronoun 'ich' is the subject of the sentence.
zur (zu + der)
The preposition 'zu' plus the definite article 'der' contracts to 'zur', indicating direction toward a feminine noun (Party).
Party (noun, feminine)
A borrowed noun from English, used with the feminine article 'die' (die Party).
mitbringen (separable verb)
The verb 'mitbringen' splits in main clauses; the prefix 'mit' moves to the end of the clause, as seen here.
🗨In Conversation
Was soll ich zur Party mitbringen?
What should I bring to the party?
Vielleicht einen Salat oder ein paar Flaschen Wein.
Maybe a salad or a few bottles of wine.
✕Common Mistakes
Was soll ich zur Party mitbringen?
The prefix 'mit' must be placed at the end of the clause in main sentences.
Was soll ich zu Party mitbringen?
The preposition 'zu' contracts with the feminine article 'der' to 'zur'.
Was soll ich zur Party mitbringen?
Do not use 'soll' with a third‑person subject; keep the verb conjugated for 'ich' (soll).
Was soll ich zur Party bringen?
Avoid using 'bringen' alone; the meaning changes to simply 'bring' without the nuance of 'bringing along'.
↔Alternatives
Was darf ich zur Party mitbringen?
What am I allowed to bring to the party?
Was kann ich zur Party mitbringen?
What can I bring to the party?
Gibt es etwas, das ich zur Party mitbringen soll?
Is there something I should bring to the party?
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries it is customary to bring a small contribution, especially a bottle of wine, a dessert, or a snack, unless the host explicitly says "nothing needed". If you’re unsure, a simple "Ich bringe gern etwas mit" (I’m happy to bring something) followed by a suggestion works well. Remember that the verb 'mitbringen' stays together in the infinitive but splits in the main clause, so the prefix 'mit' always goes to the end of the sentence.