German Phrase
Willst du heute Abend was essen gehen?
Meaning
Literally: “Do you want to go eat something this evening?” It is a casual way to ask a friend or a close acquaintance if they’d like to have dinner together, usually at a restaurant or a take‑away place.
When to use
Use this sentence in informal settings – with friends, classmates, or family members – when you want to suggest going out for a meal later that same day. It’s perfect for spontaneous plans or when you’re already chatting about the evening.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WillstduheuteAbendwasessengehen?
Verb‑second (V2) word order
In a main clause the finite verb (Willst) occupies the second position, so the subject (du) follows it.
"was" as colloquial "etwas"
"was" is the spoken short form of "etwas" and is perfectly natural in informal invitations.
"essen gehen" construction
"gehen" is the main verb; the infinitive "essen" acts as a complement, similar to English "go eat".
Informal you (du)
Using "du" signals a familiar relationship; with strangers you would use "Sie" and the verb "möchten".
🗨In Conversation
Willst du heute Abend was essen gehen?
Do you want to go eat something tonight?
Ja, gern! Wo sollen wir hingehen?
Sure, gladly! Where should we go?
✕Common Mistakes
Willst du heute Abend essen gehen was?
The infinitive "essen" must precede "gehen"; the correct order is "essen gehen".
Willst du heute Abend was essen gehen?
The verb "gehen" stays at the end of the clause; do not split it from its complement.
Willst du heute Abend etwas essen gehen?
While grammatically correct, using "etwas" sounds formal; "was" is preferred in casual speech.
Willst du heute Abend was gehen?
Missing the infinitive "essen" before "gehen" changes the meaning; you need both verbs.
↔Alternatives
Möchtest du heute Abend etwas essen gehen?
Would you like to go eat something tonight?
Hast du Lust, heute Abend etwas zu essen zu gehen?
Do you feel like going out to eat tonight?
Wollen wir heute Abend etwas essen gehen?
Shall we go eat something tonight?
Cultural Tip
In Germany it’s common to ask directly and informally about dinner plans, especially among peers. The word "was" (instead of "etwas") gives the sentence a relaxed, spoken feel. If you’re inviting someone you don’t know well, switch to the formal "Sie" and use "möchten" – e.g., "Möchten Sie heute Abend etwas essen gehen?". Also, Germans often decide on a specific venue quickly, so be ready to suggest a place or ask "Wo wollen wir hingehen?".