was passiert?
The English phrase "what is happening?" is expressed in German as was passiert?
The phrase is used to ask about current events or a situation that is unfolding.
Which one should you use?
While was passiert? asks what is happening, Was geschieht? is a more formal version. For informal situations, you might use Was geht ab? to mean "What's up?" or "What's going on?" or Was ist los? to ask "What's happening?" or "What's the matter?"
Did you know?
- In certain regional dialects, people might use was läuft? to ask what is happening, which literally translates to 'what is running?'
- If someone says was ist los? with a rising intonation, they are asking 'what is happening?', but a falling intonation can make it sound like an accusation of 'what is wrong with you?'
- The word passieren can also mean 'to happen' in the sense of 'to pass by' or 'to cross a border'. This creates a literal image of events 'passing through' the present moment.
Examples in context
- Guten Morgen! Was ist heute hier los?Good morning! What is happening here today?
- Hey, Paul! Was geht ab?Hey, Paul! What's up?
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia see a crowd of people on the street.
- MaximilianSchau mal dort, was passiert?Look over there, what is happening?
- JuliaIch glaube, es gibt ein Konzert.I think there is a concert.
- MaximilianWarum rennen alle Leute?Why are all the people running?
- JuliaVielleicht beginnt die Musik jetzt.Maybe the music is starting now.
