Greetings! If you’re interested in learning how to ask the question “What are you doing?” in German, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to ask this question in German, with tips, examples, and even a few regional variations. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Ask “What Are You Doing?”
When addressing someone formally, perhaps in a professional or official setting, it is essential to use appropriate language. Here are some phrases you can use to ask “What are you doing?” formally in German:
- Was machen Sie? (What are you doing?) – This is the standard and most common way to ask the question formally.
- Was tun Sie gerade? (What are you currently doing?) – This phrase adds the word “gerade” (currently) to specify the ongoing action.
- Was haben Sie vor? (What are you up to?) – This phrase literally translates to “What do you have in front of you?” and is commonly used in formal situations.
Informal Ways to Ask “What Are You Doing?”
When addressing friends, family, or in casual situations, you can use informal language. Here are some phrases you can use to ask “What are you doing?” informally in German:
- Was machst du? (What are you doing?) – This is the standard and most common way to ask the question informally.
- Was treibst du? (What are you up to?) – This phrase, using the verb “treiben,” is a more casual way to ask what someone is doing.
- Was hast du vor? (What are you planning?) – This phrase is similar to the formal version but used informally.
Regional Variations
German is spoken in various regions, and certain phrases or expressions may differ slightly. Here are a couple of regional variations you might come across:
In Bavaria:
- Was machstn? (What are you doing?) – This is a Bavarian dialect version of the informal question.
In Austria:
- Was tust? (What are you doing?) – This is the Austrian variation of the informal question.
Examples and Tips
Let’s now look at some examples using the phrases we’ve covered:
- Formal Examples:
- Interviewer: Guten Tag! Was machen Sie?
- Interviewee: Guten Tag! Ich bereite gerade eine Präsentation vor. (Good day! What are you doing?)
- Informal Examples:
- Friend: Hey, was machst du heute Abend? (Hey, what are you doing tonight?)
- Sibling: Was treibst du gerade? (What are you up to right now?)
Now, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Pay attention to the context and choose the appropriate level of formality.
- If unsure, it is generally safe to start with the formal versions and adjust accordingly based on the response.
- Remember that regional variations might be present, so be prepared for slight differences.
Learning to ask “What are you doing?” in German is a great way to engage in conversations and learn more about the language and culture. Practice these phrases and make them a part of your everyday German vocabulary!
I hope this guide has been helpful to you. Viel Erfolg! (Good luck!)
