Have you ever found yourself in a conversation where you wanted to ask someone’s opinion or gather their thoughts on a particular matter? If you’re learning German, it’s essential to know how to express this question in both formal and informal settings. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to say “What do you think?” in German, along with helpful tips, examples, and even a few regional variations. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
The General Phrase
The most common and straightforward way to ask “What do you think?” in German is:
Was denkst du?
This phrase falls on the informal side and is suitable for casual conversations among friends, family, and peers. Let’s see some examples:
- Informal Example 1: Was denkst du über den neuen Film?
- Informal Example 2: Was denkst du über das Konzert gestern?
If you want to sound a bit more formal or show respect towards someone older or in a higher position, you can use the following variation:
Was denken Sie?
Now let’s explore a few tips and additional ways to express this question.
Tip 1: Introducing Variations
While the phrases mentioned earlier are perfectly fine to use, you can add variety to your language by experimenting with synonyms and related terms. Here are a few examples:
- Informal: Was meinst du?
- Informal: Wie siehst du das?
- Formal: Was halten Sie davon?
- Formal: Wie ist Ihre Meinung?
These alternate phrases maintain the same meaning and purpose, allowing you to express yourself in diverse ways.
Tip 2: Regional Variations
While the German language spoken in various regions generally remains consistent, there may be some subtle variations in particular areas. However, when it comes to asking “What do you think?” in German, these regional variations are minor. The phrases covered earlier are commonly used throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and will be readily understood regardless of the specific region you’re in.
Using “Denkst du” with Subjunctive
Another interesting aspect to note about the phrase “Was denkst du?” is its usage with subjunctive mood to convey a hypothetical or contrary-to-fact idea. This construction can help you express conditional or speculative thoughts. Consider the following examples:
- Informal Example 1: Was würdest du denken, wenn du im Lotto gewinnen würdest?
- Informal Example 2: Was denkst du, wenn das Wetter morgen besser wäre?
Here, the subjunctive forms “würdest” and “wäre” add a layer of conditionality or uncertainty to the questions.
Wrap-Up
Asking “What do you think?” in German is a crucial phrase to master when engaging in conversations involving opinions, ideas, or thoughts. Remember to adjust the formality of your question depending on the context, choosing between “Was denkst du?” or “Was denken Sie?” for casual or formal situations, respectively. Additionally, feel free to experiment with variations like “Was meinst du?” or “Was halten Sie davon?” to add variety to your language proficiency.
By incorporating these phrases, variations, and tips into your German vocabulary, you’ll have the tools to express your curiosity and engage in meaningful conversations with native speakers. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be confidently discussing and exploring various topics in German!
Now, go forth and engage in interesting conversations, asking others for their thoughts and opinions in the charming language of German!
