ach was
/ax ˈvas/
The German phrase for "oh wow" is ach was.
The phrase ach was is used to show disbelief or to dismiss something as unlikely or untrue. You can also express surprise or astonishment using more intense versions like Oh wow, das ist ja unglaublich!, which means "Oh wow, that is unbelievable!" For mild surprise, you might say Ach, wie interessant! (Oh, how interesting!).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Bavarian region, you might hear Des is ja unglaublich! to mean "That's unbelievable!" Additionally, in Switzerland, the colloquial greeting Hoi Zäme! is used to say "Hello everyone!"
How do you pronounce it?
/ax ˈvas/
Did you know?
- The phrase is often accompanied by a dismissive wave of the hand to reinforce the feeling of 'no way' or 'don't be silly'.
- The word was in ach was is a direct linguistic relative of the English word 'what'. Both descend from the Proto-Germanic word *hwat.
- While ach was can express disbelief, the single word ach is often used to express a wide range of emotions from longing and sadness to relief.
Example conversation
Laura tells Felix a surprising piece of gossip.
- LauraFelix hat gewonnen!Felix won!
- FelixAch was, das ist doch ein Witz!Oh wow, that's a joke!
- LauraEs ist wirklich wahr.It is actually true.
- FelixIch kann es kaum glauben.I can hardly believe it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ach was, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ach, ach was, was, CC BY-SA 4.0.
