Guten Tag! If you’re eager to learn how to say “what” in German, you’ve come to the right place. “What” is a fundamental term, used to ask questions, seek clarification, or simply express curiosity. In this guide, we’ll cover the formal and informal ways of saying “what” in German, along with some useful tips, examples, and even regional variations. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways of Saying “What”
When it comes to formal speech or situations, such as speaking with your superiors, business dealings, or addressing older individuals, it’s essential to use the appropriate formal language. In formal German, you can say “what” in two main ways:
- “Was” – The most common and versatile way to say “what” in German is “was.” This term can be used to ask general questions or seek information. For example:
Was hast du gestern Abend gemacht? – What did you do last night?
Was möchten Sie trinken? – What would you like to drink?
- “Wie bitte?” – In certain formal situations, it is polite to use the phrase “wie bitte?” (literally meaning “how please?”) instead of just “was.” It expresses your respectful and polite attitude towards the person you are talking to. Here are a couple of examples:
Entschuldigung, wie bitte war Ihr Name? – Excuse me, what was your name, please?
Wie bitte ist die aktuelle Uhrzeit? – What is the current time, please?
Informal Ways of Saying “What”
Informal situations, such as conversations with friends, family members, or colleagues of the same hierarchy, allow for a more casual use of language. In these cases, you can say “what” in German using different words:
- “Was” – The word “was” carries over from formal language to informal language as well. However, in informal settings, it is often shortened to “was” or combined with regional variations. Examples include:
Was hast du gesagt? – What did you say?
Was geht ab? – What’s up?
- “Wie bitte?” – Though this phrase is typically used in formal contexts, you can also apply it in casual conversation if you need someone to repeat or clarify what they said. However, it might come off as slightly more formal or jokingly used in informal settings.
Regional Variations
Now, let’s explore some regional variations of how people say “what” in different parts of Germany:
- “Wat” – In some regions, particularly in northern Germany, the term “wat” is used instead of “was.” This variation might be heard in cities like Hamburg or Bremen. Example:
Wat is hier los? – What’s going on here?
- “Wos” – In certain southern regions of Germany, especially Bavaria, people might say “wos” instead of “was.” Here’s an example:
Wos host gsogt? – What did you say?
Tips and Examples
Now, to enhance your understanding and application of saying “what” in German, here are some additional tips and examples:
- It’s all about pronunciation: Paying attention to correct pronunciation is crucial in German. When saying “was,” make sure to emphasize the “a” sound as in “vass” (rhymes with “fast”).
- Useful phrases: Learning related phrases along with “what” will expand your conversational skills. Some useful examples are:
Was ist das? – What is that?
Was meinst du? – What do you mean?
- Context is key: Understand the context of the conversation to use the appropriate version of “what.” Formal or informal situations will determine which variation or phrase to employ.
- Practice makes perfect: Regular practice and immersion in the German language, through conversations, watching German movies, or reading German texts, will help you become more confident in using the correct form of “what.”
Now that you’re equipped with a comprehensive understanding of how to say “what” in German, you can confidently navigate various social interactions and continue your language learning journey with enthusiasm. Viel Glück (Good luck)!
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