mitbringen
to bring along
To bring something or someone to a place that you yourself are going to.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du zur Party einen Salat mitbringen?
Can you bring along a salad to the party?
mitbringen
to bring along / have
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
mitbringen
to have
To possess a certain skill, quality, or requirement naturally or through experience.
EXAMPLE
Für diese Stelle sollten Sie gute Englischkenntnisse mitbringen.
For this position, you should have good English skills.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Mitbringen' (to bring along / have) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'mit-' goes at the end, while in a subordinate clause it remains attached to the verb. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' stands between 'mit' and 'bringen'.
EXAMPLE
Ich bringe heute Abend einen Kuchen mit.
I'm bringing along a cake this evening.
Word structure
The verb is made up of 'mit' (with/along) and 'bringen' (to bring). The meaning is often literal: to bring something or someone with you when you go somewhere.
EXAMPLE
Soll ich zum Picknick eine Decke mitbringen?
Should I bring along a blanket to the picnic?
Context clue
The figurative meaning 'to have a skill' is used almost exclusively in professional contexts, for example in job advertisements or job interviews.
EXAMPLE
Der ideale Kandidat sollte Führungserfahrung mitbringen.
The ideal candidate should have leadership experience.
Typical collocations
In the professional meaning, 'mitbringen' (to have) is often combined with abstract nouns, such as 'Erfahrung' (experience), 'Kenntnisse' (knowledge/skills), 'Qualifikationen' (qualifications), or 'Flexibilität' (flexibility).
EXAMPLE
Für diesen Job müssen Sie verhandlungssichere Englischkenntnisse mitbringen.
For this job, you must have business-fluent English skills.
Compare with
mitbringen vs besitzen
to own / to possess
Both verbs can say that someone has an ability or quality. „Besitzen“ describes having it in general, while „mitbringen“ emphasizes that the ability or quality is important for a particular task, position, or role. Without a specific context, „besitzen“ is suitable; when referring to requirements for a task, „mitbringen“ is often more precise.
mitbringen
Für diese Stelle muss man viel Geduld im Umgang mit Kunden mitbringen.
For this position, you need to bring a great deal of patience when dealing with customers.
besitzen
Sie besitzt viel Geduld im Umgang mit anderen Menschen.
She possesses a great deal of patience when dealing with other people.
In real life
Loading video examples...