German Phrase
Was steht auf der Einladung?
Meaning
The sentence asks for the exact wording that appears on an invitation, such as the date, time, location, or dress code. It is a neutral‑to‑slightly informal way to request that information.
When to use
Use this question when you have received an invitation (paper or digital) and need to know what details are written on it. It works in casual conversations with friends, as well as in semi‑formal settings like a workplace party.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WasstehtaufderEinladung?
Was (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask about something unknown; it does not change its form in questions.
steht (verb "stehen")
Third‑person singular present of "stehen" meaning “to be written/to say”. In questions the verb stays in normal position.
auf (preposition)
When referring to the surface of something (e.g., text on a paper) it governs the dative case.
der (definite article, dative feminine)
Because "Einladung" is feminine, the dative singular article is "der" after the preposition "auf".
Einladung (noun, feminine)
Means “invitation”. In the dative singular it is "Einladung" (no ending change).
🗨In Conversation
Was steht auf der Einladung?
What does the invitation say?
Darauf steht, dass die Party am Samstag um 19 Uhr im Stadtpark stattfindet.
It says that the party is on Saturday at 7 p.m. in the city park.
✕Common Mistakes
Was ist auf der Einladung?
Use "steht" (to be written) instead of "ist" (to be) when referring to text on a document.
Was steht in der Einladung?
The preposition for text on a surface is "auf", not "in".
Was steht auf die Einladung?
After "auf" you need the dative case, so the article must be "der".
↔Alternatives
Was steht auf der Karte?
What is written on the card?
Was steht im Einladungstext?
What is written in the invitation text?
Was steht auf dem Einladungsschreiben?
What does the invitation letter say?
Cultural Tip
German invitations usually list the date, time, venue, and sometimes a dress code. The preposition "auf" is the standard choice when you talk about text that is *on* a piece of paper or a screen. In southern Germany you might also hear "Was steht auf der Einladungskarte?" which is a regional variant.