was ist
The English phrase "what is" is translated into German as was ist.
You can also use the variation Was ist denn…? to ask "What is…?" in a way that expresses curiosity or surprise in informal settings.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the interrogative pronoun was (what) and the third-person singular form of the verb sein (to be), which is ist (is).
How does it change in a sentence?
When asking "what is" about a plural subject, you must change the verb to the plural form was sind (what are).
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes mistakenly use was ist when they actually mean "what are". While English uses "is" for singular and "are" for plural, German requires the verb to agree with the plural subject, so you should use was sind instead.
Did you know?
- In German, Was ist das? is often used as a general reaction of annoyance or disbelief, similar to saying 'What is this now?' in English.
- In very formal or archaic German, you might encounter was sei, which uses the subjunctive mood to express uncertainty or reported speech.
- The word was shares its ancient roots with the English word 'what', as both descend from the Proto-Indo-European 'kʷod'.
Examples in context
- Was ist ein Ufo?What is a UFO?This sentence is useful for asking for the definition of a UFO using was ist.Tatoeba #3439120 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #30165 by CC
- Was ist ein Wal?What is a whale?This sentence is useful for asking for the definition of a whale using was ist.Tatoeba #12051086 by Naina, translation #8915510 by CK
- Was ist hier los?What is going on here?This sentence is useful for asking what is happening in a specific location using was ist.Tatoeba #943224 by Sudajaengi, translation #1886729 by CK
- Was ist das?What is that?
- Was ist deine Meinung?What is your opinion?
- Was ist der Zweck dieser Veranstaltung?What is the purpose of this event?
- Wie heißt dieses Gericht?What is this dish called?
- Wie heißt deine Schwester?What is your sister's name?
- Wie heißt der höchste Berg in Deutschland?What is the name of the highest mountain in Germany?
- Was ist denn mit dir los?What is going on with you?
- Was ist denn das für ein komisches Geräusch?What is that strange noise?
- Was bedeutet dieses Wort?What does this word mean?
- 439 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a kitchen, Sarah points to a strange tool.
- FelixWas ist das?What is that?
- SarahDas ist ein Sparschäler.That is a peeler.
- FelixWas ist der Sinn davon?What is the point of it?
- SarahEr macht das Schälen viel einfacher.It makes peeling much easier.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries was, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
