German Phrase

Wir haben einen vegetarischen Gast.

/viːɐ̯ ˈhaːbn̩ ˈaɪ̯nən ˈveːɡeˈtaːʁɪʃən ˈɡast/

Meaning"We have a vegetarian guest."

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Meaning

The sentence means 'We have a vegetarian guest.' It is a polite way to inform someone that a guest follows a vegetarian diet, often used in hospitality or when planning a meal.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you want to let a host, a chef, or a group know that one of the people you are serving does not eat meat. It works well in restaurants, at home gatherings, or in any situation where food is being prepared.

✦Grammar Breakdown

WirhabeneinenvegetarischenGast

Wir

Personal pronoun for 'we', nominative case.

haben

Present tense of the verb 'haben' (to have). Used here as a stative verb meaning 'to have/host'.

einen

Indefinite article in the accusative masculine singular; required because 'Gast' is the direct object.

vegetarischen

Adjective 'vegetarisch' with weak declension ending '-en' after an indefinite article in the accusative.

Gast

Masculine noun meaning 'guest', used in the accusative case as the object of 'haben'.

🗨In Conversation

Wir haben einen vegetarischen Gast.

We have a vegetarian guest.

Möchtest du das Menü für ihn anpassen?

Would you like to adjust the menu for him?

✕Common Mistakes

Wir haben ein vegetarischer Gast.
The article must be accusative 'einen' because 'Gast' is the direct object.
Wir haben einen vegetarisch Gast.
The adjective needs the correct ending '-en' after the indefinite article.
Wir habens einen vegetarischen Gast.
The verb 'haben' conjugates as 'haben' for 'wir', not 'habens'.

↔Alternatives

Ein vegetarischer Gast ist bei uns.
A vegetarian guest is with us.
Wir empfangen einen vegetarischen Gast.
We are receiving a vegetarian guest.
Bei uns gibt es einen vegetarischen Gast.
We have a vegetarian guest.

Cultural Tip

In German-speaking countries it is common to ask about dietary preferences early in a gathering. Mentioning that a guest is vegetarian shows consideration and helps the host prepare suitable dishes. Remember that 'vegetarisch' can also be used as a noun (e.g., 'der Vegetarier'), but in this sentence the adjective form is required.