Und du?
/ʊnt duː/word by word
In German, "how about you" is translated as Und du?
This phrase is used to ask someone for their opinion or status after you have shared your own.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the conjunction und (and) and the pronoun du (you, singular informal).
How does it change in a sentence?
Use Und ihr? when asking 'how about you' to a group of people you address informally.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʊnt duː/
Did you know?
- The pronoun du was historically used in the 'Du-Reform' movement of the 1960s and 70s to break down social hierarchies and promote equality in West Germany.
- The word du is a direct linguistic relative of the archaic English pronoun 'thou'. Both descend from the same Proto-Germanic root meaning 'you'.
- When responding to Und du?, Germans often use the word gleichfalls, which means 'likewise'. This creates a rhythmic exchange of mirrored sentiments.
Examples in context
- Ich werde müde. Und du?I'm getting sleepy. How about you?This example shows how to use Und du? when discussing how you feel.Tatoeba #9206579 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9203418 by CK
- Ich habe Hunger. Und du?I'm hungry. How about you?This example shows how to use Und du? when expressing a physical sensation like hunger.Tatoeba #8888966 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2354171 by Hybrid
- Ehrlich gesagt, habe ich nichts verstanden. Und du?Truth be told, I didn't understand a thing. How about you?This example shows how to use Und du? when asking if someone else understood something.Tatoeba #6838357 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11505554 by sundown
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are talking about their weekend plans.
- LukasIch gehe am Samstag ins Kino. Und du?I'm going to the cinema on Saturday. How about you?
- LauraIch bleibe zu Hause und lese ein Buch.I'm staying at home and reading a book.
- LukasDas klingt entspannend.That sounds relaxing.
- LauraJa, das wird es hoffentlich.Yes, I hope it will be.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (und, du) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, und, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
