Wer ist das?
To ask "who is that?" in German, use Wer ist das?
Wer ist das? is a question used to ask for the identity of a person.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between people and things. Use Wer ist das? when asking about a person, but use Was ist das? when asking about objects or concepts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Northern Germany, you may hear the variation Wer ist dat? In Berlin and the areas surrounding it, the variation Wer is'n det? is used.
Did you know?
- If you use the wrong word and ask Was ist das? about a person, you are literally asking 'What is that?', which can sound dehumanizing or offensive in a social setting.
- While Wer ist das? is the standard way to identify someone, in very formal contexts, a German might prefer to ask Um wen handelt es sich?, which translates to 'Regarding whom is it a matter?'
- The word das can function as a neutral pronoun regardless of the gender of the person being identified in the phrase Wer ist das?
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are walking in a park and see a stranger.
- JulianWer ist das?Who is that?
- SarahDas ist mein alter Lehrer.That is my old teacher.
- JulianIst er sehr nett?Is he very nice?
- SarahJa, er ist sehr freundlich.Yes, he is very friendly.
