Was ist los?
The German phrase for "what is wrong?" is Was ist los?
Was ist los? is used to ask someone what is happening or why they seem upset. Depending on the context, it can also mean "What is happening?" or "What's up?"
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Was ist los? translates to "What is loose?" or "What is unbound?"
Which one should you use?
While Was ist los? is the most common way to ask what is wrong, you can use Was ist denn los? to sound more natural. The addition of the particle denn expresses a higher degree of concern or curiosity. In informal settings, you may also hear Was is'n los? used interchangeably with the standard form.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In southern Germany and Austria, the phrase Was fehlt dir? is used to mean "What's the matter with you?"
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying Was ist falsch? to ask what is wrong in a social or emotional context. In German, falsch is used for factual errors or incorrectness rather than personal well-being.
Did you know?
- Depending on the tone, Was ist los? can flip from a concerned question to an aggressive confrontation, similar to 'What is your problem?' in English.
- In parts of southern Germany and Austria, you might hear Was fehlt dir? to ask what is wrong, which literally asks 'what is missing from you?'
- The concept of something being 'loose' los in this phrase historically refers to something becoming detached or released, creating a situation that requires explanation.
Examples in context
- Was ist los?What is wrong?
- Du siehst traurig aus. Was ist los?You look sad. What is wrong?
- Warum schreist du? Was ist los?Why are you shouting? What is wrong?
Example conversation
Laura sees Felix looking distressed at his desk.
- LauraDu bist so still. Was ist los?You are so quiet. What is wrong?
- FelixIch habe meinen Schlüssel verloren.I lost my key.
- LauraDas ist ärgerlich.That is annoying.
- FelixJa, ich bin sehr gestresst.Yes, I am very stressed.
