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German Phrase

Wir machen ein Mitbringessen.

/viːɐ̯ ˈmaχən aɪn ˈmɪtˌbʁɪŋˈʔɛsn̩/
Meaning"We are having a pot‑luck."
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Meaning

The sentence announces that the speakers are organising a pot‑luck meal, i.e., a gathering where each participant brings a dish to share. It conveys a friendly, informal plan for a shared dinner or lunch.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you want to tell friends, classmates, or colleagues that you’re planning a pot‑luck. It works best in casual or semi‑formal settings such as student groups, clubs, family gatherings, or office lunches.

✦Grammar Breakdown

WirmacheneinMitbringessen.

1

Subject pronoun

"Wir" is the first‑person plural pronoun meaning “we”.

2

Verb + object construction

"machen" (to make/do) can be used colloquially to mean “to organise/hold” when followed by a noun phrase.

3

Indefinite article

"ein" is the neuter indefinite article that matches the gender of "Mitbringessen".

4

Compound noun

"Mitbringessen" is a neuter compound noun (das Mitbringessen) meaning a pot‑luck where everyone brings a dish.

5

Sentence ending punctuation

The period marks a declarative statement; in spoken German the final “‑” is often softened.

🗨In Conversation

A

Was machen wir am Samstag?

What are we doing on Saturday?

Wir machen ein Mitbringessen.

We’re having a pot‑luck.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Wir machen eine Mitbringessen.

    Mitbringessen is neuter (das), so the correct article is "ein".

  • Wir machen ein Mitbringenessen.

    The correct spelling is "Mitbringessen" – one "n" after "Mitbring".

  • Wir machen das Mitbringessen.

    While "machen" is common, "haben" or "veranstalten" are also acceptable; avoid using "machen" with a definite article (e.g., *"das Mitbringessen"*).

↔Alternatives

  • Wir veranstalten ein Potluck.

    We are hosting a pot‑luck.

  • Wir organisieren ein Mitbringbuffet.

    We are organising a bring‑your‑own‑dish buffet.

  • Wir machen ein gemeinsames Essen, bei dem jeder etwas mitbringt.

    We’re having a shared meal where everyone brings something.

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Cultural Tip

Pot‑luck meals (Mitbringessen) are especially popular among German university student groups, sports clubs (Sportvereine) and workplace teams. The atmosphere is informal, so you’ll often hear the phrase in spoken German rather than in formal written invitations. Remember that the word is neuter – das Mitbringessen – and that you can also say “Wir haben ein Mitbringessen” without sounding odd.