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How to Say ‘Is there a special occasion?’ in German

Gibt es denn einen besonderen Anlass?

EYE-nen beh-ZON-deh-ren AN-lass

[EYE-nen beh-ZON-deh-ren AN-lass]

🇩🇪 In Germany: Staff often ask this when you book for a group or an evening. Mentioning a birthday or anniversary can get you a better table or a small gesture with dessert.

Phrase Breakdown

Gibt es denn

Is there (then)

This opens a friendly question. Link the words together as 'gipt-es-den'.

Example

Gibt es denn Probleme?

Are there any problems, then?

Words in this phrase

Gibt

denn

einen besonderen Anlass?

EYE-nen beh-ZON-deh-ren AN-lass

a special occasion?

This is the object of 'gibt es', so it is in the accusative. Let your voice rise at the end, as in a question.

Example

Das ist ein besonderer Anlass.

This is a special occasion.

Words in this phrase

einen

[EYE-nen]

Indefinite article before a masculine accusative noun.

Example

Ich plane einen kurzen Austausch nächste Woche.

I am planning a short exchange next week.

besonderen

[beh-ZON-deh-ren]

special

Adjective for something out of the ordinary; inflected form of 'besonders'.

Example

Das ist ein besonderer Abend.

This is a special evening.

Anlass

[AN-lass]

occasion

An event or reason for celebrating.

Example

Zu welchem Anlass feiern Sie?

For what occasion are you celebrating?

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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