Italian Phrase
Che attrezzatura serve?
Meaning
Literally, 'What equipment is needed?'. It is a concise way to ask someone which tools, gear, or supplies are required for a specific activity, project, or event.
When to use
Use this question when you’re planning a trip, a sport, a DIY project, or any situation where you need to know what items to bring or prepare. It works both in casual conversation with friends and in more formal settings like a workplace briefing.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cheattrezzaturaserve?
Che (interrogative adjective)
Used before a noun to ask 'what' or 'which', agreeing in gender and number with the noun.
attrezzatura (noun)
Feminine singular noun meaning 'equipment' or 'gear'.
serve (verb)
Third‑person singular of 'servire' used impersonally to mean 'is needed' or 'is required'.
Question mark
In spoken Italian the intonation rises at the end; the written '?' marks the interrogative.
🗨In Conversation
Che attrezzatura serve per la gita in montagna?
What equipment is needed for the mountain hike?
Serve una buona giacca, scarponi da trekking e una borraccia.
You need a good jacket, trekking boots, and a water bottle.
✕Common Mistakes
Cosa attrezzatura serve?
While 'cosa' can mean 'what', using 'Che attrezzatura' is more natural when directly modifying the noun.
Che attrezzatura servi?
Do not conjugate as 'servi' unless you are addressing someone directly; the impersonal form is required here.
Che l'attrezzatura serve?
The article is omitted before 'attrezzatura' in this interrogative construction.
↔Alternatives
Di che attrezzatura hai bisogno?
What equipment do you need?
Qual è l'attrezzatura necessaria?
What is the necessary equipment?
Che cosa serve?
What is required?
Cultural Tip
In Italian the verb 'servire' is often used impersonally (serve + infinitive) to express necessity. In more formal contexts you might hear 'è necessario' instead of 'serve'. Also, remember that 'attrezzatura' is feminine, so adjectives that modify it must agree (e.g., 'l'attrezzatura adeguata').