How to Say "What About" in German

was ist mit

The German phrase for 'what about' is was ist mit.

The phrase was ist mit is used to make a suggestion or to inquire about a specific person or thing.

Meaning: used to make a suggestion (adv)

What does it mean word for word?

Literally, was ist mit translates to 'what is with'.

When using this phrase with pronouns, you must use the dative case.

Instead, use the dative form Was ist mit mir?

If someone asks Was ist mit dir?, they might be asking 'What is the matter with you?' instead of 'What about you?', depending on the tone of voice.
The German word mit is a cognate of the Middle English word 'mid', which was once the standard way to say 'with' in English.
In fast spoken German, was ist mit is often contracted or mumbled, making the 't' in ist almost disappear.

Was ist mit ihm?
What about him?
This sentence is useful for asking 'What about him?' using was ist mit.
Tatoeba #520442 by esocom, translation #3920589 by CH
Was ist mit uns?
What about us?
This sentence is useful for asking 'What about us?' using was ist mit.
Tatoeba #1542298 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1542297 by Spamster
Was ist mit Tom?
What about Tom?
This sentence is useful for asking 'What about Tom?' using was ist mit.
Tatoeba #3682897 by Esperantostern, translation #2735056 by Hybrid
Was ist mit dem neuen Projekt?
What about the new project?
Wie sieht es aus mit den Vorbereitungen?
What about the preparations?
Was halten Sie von der aktuellen Situation?
What do you think of the current situation?
Was ist mit der anstehenden Konferenz?
What about the upcoming conference?
Und das Wochenende?
And what about the weekend?
Und wie ist es mit dem Abendessen?
And how about dinner?
Wie sieht's aus mit einem Ausflug?
What about going on a trip?
Und das Wetter? Wie wird's morgen?
And the weather? How will it be tomorrow?
23 more sentences on Tatoeba

Two friends are deciding what to eat for dinner.

Sources

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