Significado
To ask for identification of an object.
Contexto cultural
Germans value directness. Asking 'Was ist das?' is not seen as intrusive but as a sign of interest in the facts of a situation. In Vienna, you might hear 'Was is'n des?' in a local dialect. The tone might be slightly more melodic, but the meaning is identical. Swiss German speakers might say 'Was isch das?'. The 'st' often shifts to an 'sch' sound in many Swiss dialects. In meetings, 'Was ist das?' is used to demand clarity on data points. It is part of the 'Sachlichkeit' (fact-oriented) approach.
The Pointing Rule
It is perfectly polite to point at objects while saying this. It helps the other person know exactly what you are asking about.
Person vs. Object
Always double-check if you are pointing at a person. If yes, switch 'Was' to 'Wer' immediately!
Significado
To ask for identification of an object.
The Pointing Rule
It is perfectly polite to point at objects while saying this. It helps the other person know exactly what you are asking about.
Person vs. Object
Always double-check if you are pointing at a person. If yes, switch 'Was' to 'Wer' immediately!
Sound like a native
Add 'denn' to the end: 'Was ist das denn?'. It makes you sound much more fluent and naturally curious.
The 'Was ist das' of Disgust
If you say this with a wrinkled nose, it implies you find something gross or weird. Use with caution!
Ponte a prueba
You see a strange fruit at the market. What do you ask?
___ ist das?
We use 'Was' for objects and 'Wer' for people.
Complete the question with the correct verb form.
Was ___ das?
'Das' is treated as a singular subject, so we use 'ist'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Was ist das? B: Das ist ___ {Apfel|m}.
'Apfel' is masculine, and in the nominative case after 'ist', we use 'ein'.
Match the question to the situation.
You see a person you don't know.
Always use 'Wer' for people.
Add the modal particle to sound more natural.
Was ist das ___?
'Denn' is the standard particle for questions to show interest.
How do you ask 'What are those?' correctly?
___ sind das?
Even in the plural, 'Was' remains the interrogative pronoun.
🎉 Puntuación: /6
Ayudas visuales
Was vs. Wer
Banco de ejercicios
6 ejercicios___ ist das?
We use 'Was' for objects and 'Wer' for people.
Was ___ das?
'Das' is treated as a singular subject, so we use 'ist'.
A: Was ist das? B: Das ist ___ {Apfel|m}.
'Apfel' is masculine, and in the nominative case after 'ist', we use 'ein'.
You see a person you don't know.
Always use 'Wer' for people.
Was ist das ___?
'Denn' is the standard particle for questions to show interest.
___ sind das?
Even in the plural, 'Was' remains the interrogative pronoun.
🎉 Puntuación: /6
Preguntas frecuentes
14 preguntasGrammatically, you should use 'Was sind das?'. However, in very casual speech, people sometimes use 'Was ist das?' while pointing at a pile of things.
Use 'Was ist das?' when pointing at something for the first time. Use 'Was ist es?' only if you are already talking about a specific thing.
No, it is a neutral and necessary question for learning. Just ensure your tone is friendly.
Start with 'Das ist...' followed by the noun with its article (e.g., 'Das ist {ein|m} Tisch').
'Das' is much more common. 'Dies' (this) is more formal or used for very close objects.
No, for price use 'Was kostet das?' or 'Wie viel kostet das?'.
This is a contraction of 'Was ist denn das?'. It's very common in casual spoken German.
Yes, if you attach a photo and want to ask what is in it, 'Was ist das?' is fine.
No, in this structure, 'das' is in the nominative case and stays as 'das'.
That's why we ask! The answer will provide the gender (der/die/das).
You can say 'Was ist das, bitte?' to be more polite, or 'Worum handelt es sich?' in very formal contexts.
Yes! If you hear a noise, you can ask 'Was ist das?'.
The meaning is the same, but the pronunciation changes (e.g., 'Was isch des' in the south).
Say 'Was ist das auf Deutsch?' or 'Wie heißt das auf Deutsch?'.
Frases relacionadas
Wer ist das?
similarWho is that?
Wie heißt das?
similarWhat is that called?
Was ist los?
relatedWhat's going on?
Wozu ist das?
specialized formWhat is that for?
Was sind das?
builds onWhat are those?
Was ist das denn?
specialized formWhat on earth is that?
