German Phrase
Wir warten noch auf weitere Gäste.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to 'We wait still for further guests.' It's used to indicate that a group is expecting additional people to arrive before an event or activity can fully begin or proceed. It implies a temporary pause in proceedings.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase when hosting an event, a dinner party, or a meeting, and not everyone has arrived yet. It's a polite way to explain a delay or to inform others that more people are expected before starting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WirwartennochaufweitereGäste
warten auf
The verb 'warten' (to wait) always takes the preposition 'auf' (for) when referring to waiting for someone or something. 'Auf' is an accusative preposition in this context.
noch
This adverb means 'still' or 'yet' and indicates that an action is ongoing or expected to continue. Its position typically comes after the conjugated verb or the subject-verb pair in a main clause.
weitere
'Weitere' is the inflected form of the adjective 'weiter' (further, additional). Here, it's in the plural accusative case to agree with 'Gäste', which is the object of the preposition 'auf'.
Gäste
This is the plural form of 'Gast' (guest). It is in the accusative case because it is the direct object of the preposition 'auf' in this context.
🗨In Conversation
Sollen wir schon anfangen zu essen?
Should we start eating already?
Nein, wir warten noch auf weitere Gäste.
No, we are still waiting for more guests.
✕Common Mistakes
Wir warten noch für weitere Gäste.
The verb 'warten' (to wait) always takes the preposition 'auf' (for) when waiting for someone or something, not 'für'.
Wir warten auf weitere Gäste noch.
The adverb 'noch' (still/yet) typically comes after the conjugated verb or the subject-verb pair in a main clause, not at the end.
Wir warten noch auf weitere Gast.
'Gäste' is the correct plural form for 'guests'. 'Gast' is singular.
↔Alternatives
Es fehlen noch ein paar Leute.
A few people are still missing.
Wir erwarten noch mehr Gäste.
We are still expecting more guests.
Die anderen kommen gleich.
The others are coming soon.
Cultural Tip
Punctuality is highly valued in German-speaking cultures. While this phrase indicates a delay, it's often used to acknowledge that not everyone is present, but the expectation is that they will arrive soon. It's common to wait a few minutes for latecomers, especially in social settings, but significant delays without prior notice are generally frowned upon.