When learning German, it’s essential to understand how to express common words accurately. One such word that you’ll frequently encounter is “was,” which translates to “what” or “which” in English. In this guide, we’ll delve into various ways to say “was” in German, both formally and informally, with additional tips, examples, and possible regional variations. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Was” in German
In formal situations, it’s important to use a more polite and respectful form of German. Here are some formal ways to say “was” in German:
a) Was?
The most straightforward and commonly used formal way to say “what” in German is “was?” This short and simple term can be used in various contexts when seeking information politely. For example:
Entschuldigung, was möchten Sie bestellen? (Excuse me, what would you like to order?)
b) Was meinen Sie?
If you want to emphasize that you’re addressing someone respectfully, you can use the phrase “was meinen Sie?” This phrase is particularly useful when seeking someone’s opinion or asking for clarification in a formal setting. For instance:
Können Sie mir sagen, was Sie über diesen Vorschlag denken? Was meinen Sie? (Can you tell me what you think about this proposal? What is your opinion?)
2. Informal Ways to Say “Was” in German
When interacting with friends, family, or informal settings, German allows for a more relaxed tone. Here are some common informal ways to say “was” in German:
a) Was?
Similar to the formal approach, using “was?” is the simplest and most widely used way to inquire informally. For instance:
Hey, was machen wir heute Abend? (Hey, what are we doing tonight?)
b) Was meinst du?
To casually ask someone’s opinion or seek clarification, you can use “was meinst du?” This phrase is extensively used among friends and peers. For example:
Ich möchte mir ein neues Auto kaufen. Was meinst du? (I want to buy a new car. What do you think?)
3. Regional Variations in Saying “Was” in German
While there aren’t significant regional differences in how to say “was” in German, some regions may have unique dialects or slight variations. However, these variations are not widespread and are understood by all German speakers. Here’s an example of a colloquial variant:
c) Wat?
In certain dialects, such as in parts of Germany and Austria, “wat” is often used instead of “was.” This variant may be particularly prevalent in relaxed and informal contexts. For instance:
Wat willst du? (What do you want?)
Tips for Using “Was” in German:
i. Phrases with “Was”
“Was” is frequently used in various set phrases and expressions in German. Familiarize yourself with some commonly used sentences that incorporate “was.” Here are a few examples:
- Was ist das? – What is that?
- Was hast du gesagt? – What did you say?
- Was machst du? – What are you doing?
ii. Sentence Structure
It’s crucial to note that sentence structure in German differs from English. When using “was” to ask questions, the verb usually comes before the subject. For example:
Was tust du? – What are you doing?
Additionally, for questions related to possession, German often uses “wessen” instead of “was.” For instance:
Wessen Auto ist das? – Whose car is that?
iii. Improve Your Vocabulary
Expanding your vocabulary is crucial for any language learning journey. Learn synonyms and related words to “was” to express yourself more effectively in German. Some alternatives include:
- Welches – Which
- Was für ein – What kind of
- Welch ein – What a
For example: Welche Farbe magst du? – Which color do you like?
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned various formal and informal ways to say “was” in German and are now equipped to use it in different settings. Remember to adapt your language based on the formality of the situation, and be aware of potential regional variations. By practicing these phrases and incorporating them into your daily conversations, you’ll become more fluent in German. Viel Erfolg (Good luck)!
