meinst du das ernst?
The German phrase for "are you serious?" is meinst du das ernst?
This phrase is used to ask whether someone is telling the truth or is not joking. In casual conversation, you can also use the short, informal expression Echt? to express the same sentiment of disbelief.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase meinst du das ernst? literally means "do you mean that seriously?" and is composed of the verb meinen (to mean/think), du (you), das (that) and ernst (seriously/earnest).
Which one should you use?
While meinst du das ernst? is a direct way to ask the question, another common alternative is Ist das dein Ernst?, which translates to "Is that your serious [intent]?" and is often used to express shock or disbelief.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing more than one person, replace meinst du with meint ihr to say meint ihr das ernst? (are you [plural] serious?).
Did you know?
- The concept of 'seriousness' in German is deeply linked to the word Ernst, which can also be a common male first name.
- A German speaker might respond to meinst du das ernst? with a simple Tja, a uniquely German filler word that expresses a mix of resignation and acceptance.
- While Echt? is the short version of this phrase, it literally means 'Genuine?' or 'Real?', similar to asking if a piece of jewelry is real gold.
Examples in context
- Meinst du das ernst? Das ist unglaublich!Are you serious? That's unbelievable!
- Das ist unglaublich, meinst du das ernst?That is unbelievable, are you serious?
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are talking about a surprise trip.
- JuliaIch habe uns Tickets nach Japan gekauft!I bought us tickets to Japan!
- MaximilianWas? Meinst du das ernst?What? Are you serious?
- JuliaJa, wir fliegen nächsten Monat.Yes, we are flying next month.
- MaximilianDas ist ja unglaublich, Julia!That is just unbelievable, Julia!
