Guten Tag! Learning how to say “what” in German is an essential step towards mastering this language. Whether you want to engage in casual conversations or navigate formal situations, having the right vocabulary is crucial. In this guide, we will explore the various ways to express “what” in German, both formally and informally. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What” in German
When engaging in formal settings, such as business meetings, interviews, or official speeches, it is important to use correct and respectful language. Here are some appropriate ways to ask “what” formally in German:
- Was? – This is the most straightforward and widely used term for “what” in formal German. For example, you can say “Was können Sie mir darüber sagen?” (What can you tell me about that?).
- Wie bitte? – Translating to “Pardon me?” or “I beg your pardon?”, this phrase is used when you didn’t hear or understand someone and need them to repeat what they said. For instance, you can respond with “Wie bitte? Ich habe das nicht verstanden.” (Pardon me? I didn’t understand that).
- Entschuldigen Sie, was haben Sie gesagt? – In more formal situations, you can politely inquire about what someone said by using this phrase that means “Excuse me, what did you say?”. This demonstrates your respect and attentiveness.
Informal Ways to Say “What” in German
Informal conversations are a vital part of language learning, helping you connect with native speakers and understand the nuances of daily communication. Here are some common ways to express “what” informally in German:
- Was? – Just like in the formal context, “was” is the most commonly used term for “what” in informal German conversations. For example, you can casually ask a friend “Was machst du?” (What are you doing?).
- Wie? – Similar to English’s “how,” “wie” can also be used to ask “what” informally in certain contexts. For instance, you can ask “Wie meinst du das?” (What do you mean?/ How do you mean that?).
- Hä? – This term is often used in colloquial speech as a shortened form of “was” and is particularly common among young people. For instance, you could say “Hä? Was hast du gerade gesagt?” (Huh? What did you just say?).
Tips and Examples
Here are some tips and additional examples on how to use “what” in German effectively:
- Variation in Sentence Structure: Unlike English, German follows a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) sentence structure. So, while asking “What is that?” in English, “Was ist das?” would be the correct German translation.
- Indirect Questions: In German, it is common to use the word order of a statement rather than a question when asking indirectly. For example, instead of saying “What is your name?”, you could say “Können Sie mir sagen, wie Sie heißen?” (Can you tell me how you are called?).
- Common Phrases: Learn common German phrases that include the word “what” to expand your vocabulary. For instance, “What do you think?” translates to “Was denkst du?” and “What time is it?” is expressed as “Wie spät ist es?”.
- Context Matters: Consider the context in which you are using the word “what” as it may influence the appropriate translation. A direct translation may not always be the best choice in certain situations.
Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you use these phrases in real-life situations and engage with native speakers, the more comfortable and natural they will become to you. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; it’s all part of the learning process.
Now that you have a solid foundation in how to say “what” in German, go out there and put your new knowledge into practice. Enjoy exploring the intricacies of the German language and embrace the cultural experiences that come with it. Viel Glück!
