Was machst du?
The English phrase "what are you doing?" can be translated into German as Was machst du?
For a more specific nuance, you can use Was hast du gerade vor? to mean "What are you planning to do?"
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Was machst du? is composed of Was (what), machst (a conjugated form of machen, to do/make) and du (you, singular informal).
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of people informally, use Was macht ihr? instead of the singular Was machst du?
Did you know?
- The word du is a direct relative of the archaic English word 'thou'. Both descended from the same Proto-Germanic root used to address a single person informally.
- In a very formal setting, asking Was machen Sie? instead of Was machst du? is mandatory. Using the informal du with a stranger or superior can be seen as a significant social faux pas.
- German speakers often use the phrase Was machst du da? to express confusion or disapproval, similar to saying 'What on earth are you doing?' in English.
Examples in context
- Guten Morgen, Herr Schmidt. Was machen Sie gerade?Good morning, Mr. Schmidt. What are you doing right now?
- Hey, was machst du gerade?Hey, what are you doing right now?
- Was treibst du gerade so?What are you up to?
- Was hast du gerade vor?What are you planning to do?
- Was machst du heute Abend?What are you doing this evening?
Example conversation
Felix calls Hannah on the phone.
- FelixHallo Hannah, was machst du?Hello Hannah, what are you doing?
- HannahIch lese gerade ein Buch.I am reading a book right now.
- FelixHast du Lust auf ein Eis?Do you feel like having an ice cream?
- HannahJa, das klingt super!Yes, that sounds great!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, was, CC BY-SA 4.0.
