was ist los mit dir?
The English phrase "what is wrong with you?" can be translated into German as was ist los mit dir?
This phrase is used to ask someone why they are behaving strangely or what is bothering them. Depending on the tone, this phrase can be used either to express genuine concern for someone's well-being or to express irritation at someone's strange behavior.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, was ist los mit dir? translates to "What is going on with you?"
Which one should you use?
While was ist los mit dir? means "What is wrong with you?", the phrase Was ist los bei dir? translates to "What is going on with you?" Additionally, Was hast du? is a common, shorter alternative used to ask what is wrong with someone.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing someone formally, you must change the pronoun to Ihnen to create Was ist los mit Ihnen? or Was ist mit Ihnen los?
Did you know?
- The word los is used in the common command Los!, which means 'Go!' or 'Hurry up!', reflecting its sense of something being released or set in motion.
- The word los can be used as a suffix in words like arbeitslos to mean 'without' or 'free from', such as 'without work' for 'unemployed'.
- In very informal settings, Germans often shorten the phrase to just was los?, which can function as both 'what is wrong?' and a casual 'what is up?'
Examples in context
- Entschuldigen Sie, aber Sie sehen nicht gut aus. Was fehlt Ihnen?Excuse me, but you do not look well. What is wrong with you?
- Hey, was ist los mit dir? Du siehst bedrückt aus.Hey, what is wrong with you? You look depressed.
- Du bist so komisch heute, was ist los mit dir?You are so strange today, what is wrong with you?
- Du schreist mich ständig an, was ist los mit dir?You are constantly shouting at me, what is wrong with you?
Example conversation
Sarah notices Julian acting very strangely and quiet during lunch.
- SarahJulian, du sagst gar nichts. Was ist los mit dir?Julian, you are not saying anything. What is wrong with you?
- JulianNichts, ich habe nur viel Stress im Büro.Nothing, I just have a lot of stress at the office.
- SarahDu wirkst sehr traurig und abgelenkt.You seem very sad and distracted.
- JulianJa, es ist gerade eine schwierige Zeit für mich.Yes, it is a difficult time for me right now.
