Guten Tag! If you’re interested in learning how to say “What did you say?” in German, you’ve come to the right place. This phrase is often used in conversations when you didn’t hear or understand what someone said, and you want them to repeat or clarify what they just said. In German, there are both formal and informal ways to ask this question. Regional variations might exist, but we’ll focus on the standard German language. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What Did You Say?” in German
1. Entschuldigen Sie, was haben Sie gesagt?
This formal phrase translates to “Excuse me, what did you say?”. It’s polite and appropriate to use in formal or professional settings.
2. Könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen? (Could you please repeat that?)
3. Könnten Sie das bitte nochmal sagen? (Could you please say that again?)
Note: In formal contexts, it’s important to use the formal pronoun “Sie” instead of the informal “du” for respectful communication.
Informal Ways to Say “What Did You Say?” in German
1. Wie bitte? (What? / Pardon?)
This is a versatile and commonly used phrase in informal situations. It’s often used when you didn’t hear or understand what someone said.
2. Was hast du gesagt? (What did you say?)
Here’s the informal equivalent of the previous phrase. It’s used among friends, family, or in casual conversations.
Tips and Examples
Tips:
- Remember to adjust your speech based on the formality of the situation.
- Speak clearly and ask politely to improve communication.
- Pay attention to non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and gestures, to ensure better understanding.
Examples:
1. Formal:
Johann: Entschuldigen Sie, was haben Sie gesagt?
Anna: Ich habe gefragt, ob Sie morgen Zeit haben.
2. Formal:
Markus: Könnten Sie das bitte nochmal sagen?
Julia: Natürlich, ich habe gefragt, ob du zum Treffen kommen möchtest.
3. Informal:
Lena: Wie bitte? Kannst du das nochmal erklären?
Max: Klar, ich habe gefragt, ob du mit mir ins Kino gehen möchtest.
4. Informal:
Peter: Was hast du gesagt? Ich habe dich nicht verstanden.
Maria: Ich meinte, dass wir uns um 20 Uhr am Café treffen.
Remember, practice makes perfect in language learning. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification to enhance your communication skills. Viel Erfolg! (Good luck!)
