wer ist das?
The English phrase "who is this?" can be translated into German as wer ist das?
wer ist das? is a question used to ask for the identity of a person who is present or visible.
Which one should you use?
While wer ist das? is the standard way to ask for identity, other phrases are used depending on the context. For example, if someone is at your door or calling your name, you might use Wer ist da? If you are answering the phone and want to ask who is speaking in a formal manner, you would say Wen habe ich am Apparat?
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of southern Germany, particularly in Bavaria and Swabia, you may hear the colloquial variation Wer is'n da?
Did you know?
- The pronoun das used in wer ist das? is grammatically neutral, which allows it to be used for men, women, or even children without changing the sentence structure.
- The word wer is a distant linguistic cousin to the English word 'who', as both descend from the same Proto-Indo-European root for interrogative pronouns.
- When speaking to a stranger or someone in authority, avoid using Wer bist du? instead of Wer ist das?, as the former is an abrupt and potentially rude way to ask 'Who are you?'
Examples in context
- Wer ist dieser Mann?Who is this man?
- Wer ist am Apparat, bitte?Who is on the line, please?
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are looking at a new photo on the table.
- FelixWer ist das?Who is this?
- JuliaDas ist meine Cousine.That is my cousin.
- FelixSie sieht sehr nett aus.She looks very nice.
- JuliaJa, sie ist wirklich lieb.Yes, she is really sweet.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries das, wer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
