wer hat gefragt
The English phrase 'who asked' is translated into German as wer hat gefragt.
The phrase is a rhetorical question used to suggest that a piece of information is irrelevant or unwanted. It functions as a 'shut down' to signal that a person is providing unsolicited information.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of 'who has asked', using the perfect tense to express the rhetorical question.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase Wer hat gefragt? is highly informal and is used primarily in internet slang or among younger people to dismiss someone's opinion. For a formal and polite way to ask who inquired, you should use Darf ich fragen, wer hier nachgefragt hat? instead.
Did you know?
- In German internet culture, instead of the full phrase, users often simply type ? to achieve the same dismissive, 'who asked' effect with even less effort.
- While wer hat gefragt is a direct translation, German youth often use the English phrase 'Who asked?' directly in conversation to signal they are participating in global internet meme culture.
- Adding the word eigentlich to create Wer hat eigentlich gefragt? shifts the tone from a simple dismissal to a more aggressive confrontation.
Examples in context
- Wer hat gefragt?Who asked?
- Du erzählst viel, aber wer hat gefragt?You talk a lot, but who asked?
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are arguing about a movie.
- FelixIch finde den Film total langweilig.I find the movie totally boring.
- LauraWer hat gefragt, Felix?Who asked, Felix?
- FelixIch wollte es nur sagen.I just wanted to say it.
- LauraDas ist trotzdem nicht wichtig.That is still not important.
