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German Phrase

Wen sollten wir zur Party einladen?

/veːn ˈzɔltən viːɐ̯ t͡suːɐ̯ ˈpaʁti ˈaɪnˌlaːdn̩/

Meaning"Whom should we invite to the party?"

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Meaning

The sentence asks for the identity of the people who ought to be invited to a party. It combines a question word with a modal verb to express a recommendation or suggestion.

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When to use

Use this question when planning a gathering and you want to discuss the guest list with friends, family, or colleagues. It is suitable for informal settings and can also be used in a more formal context if you replace "sollten" with a softer modal like "möchten".

✦Grammar Breakdown

WensolltenwirzurPartyeinladen?

1

Wen (Accusative)

"Wen" is the accusative form of "wer" and is used for the direct object of the verb.

2

Modalverb Position

In a main clause the modal verb occupies the second position, while the subject follows it.

3

Infinitiv am Satzende

The infinitive "einladen" is placed at the end of the clause after the modal verb.

4

Präposition + Artikel → zur

"zu" + "der" contracts to "zur" before feminine nouns like "Party".

5

Verb‑Zweit‑Stellung (V2)

When a question word is fronted, the verb (here the modal) stays in second position.

🗨In Conversation

A

Wen sollten wir zur Party einladen?

Whom should we invite to the party?

Ich denke, wir sollten Anna und Tom einladen.

I think we should invite Anna and Tom.

B

✕Common Mistakes

Wer sollten wir zur Party einladen?
"Wer" is nominative; the object of "einladen" requires the accusative "wen".
Wen soll wir zur Party einladen?
The sentence is a suggestion, so the plural past‑tense form "sollten" is appropriate.
Wen sollten wir zu die Party einladen?
The correct contraction is "zur" (zu + der).
Wen sollten wir einladen zur Party?
With a modal verb, the infinitive must stay at the end of the clause.

↔Alternatives

Wen sollen wir zur Party einladen?
Whom should we invite to the party?
Wen möchten wir zur Party einladen?
Whom would we like to invite to the party?
Wen laden wir zur Party ein?
Who are we inviting to the party?

Cultural Tip

In German-speaking countries it is common to discuss the guest list early, especially for private parties. When you ask "Wen sollten wir einladen?" you are showing respect for the host's preferences and often avoid over‑crowding. Remember that "Party" is feminine, so the correct preposition is "zur" (zu + der). In formal contexts you might use "Sie" and say "Wen sollten Sie zur Party einladen?".