Meaning
To ask for identification of a person.
Cultural Background
Germans value directness. Asking 'Wer ist das?' is not considered rude, but it should be followed by a polite greeting if you are introduced. In Vienna, titles are very important. If you ask 'Wer ist das?', the answer might include a professional title like 'Magister' or 'Doktor'. Swiss German speakers might use 'Wer isch das?' in dialect. The social etiquette is similar to Germany but often slightly more reserved. On social media, 'Wer ist das?' is often used in comments on celebrity photos to ask about people in the background.
Universal 'Das'
Don't worry about the gender of the person you're asking about. 'Wer ist das?' works for everyone!
Don't use 'Was'
Calling a person 'Was' (What) can be seen as very rude or objectifying.
Meaning
To ask for identification of a person.
Universal 'Das'
Don't worry about the gender of the person you're asking about. 'Wer ist das?' works for everyone!
Don't use 'Was'
Calling a person 'Was' (What) can be seen as very rude or objectifying.
Add 'denn'
If you want to sound like a native, add 'denn': 'Wer ist das denn?'. It adds a touch of natural curiosity.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct question to ask about a person.
Du siehst einen Mann auf einem Foto. Was fragst du?
'Wer' is used for people, 'Was' for things, 'Wo' for places, and 'Wie' for descriptions.
Fill in the missing word.
Wer ______ das?
The subject 'das' requires the 3rd person singular form of 'sein', which is 'ist'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Wer ist das? B: Das ist ______ {der|m} Bruder.
'Bruder' is masculine, and in this sentence, it is in the nominative case after 'ist'.
Match the question to the situation.
Match 'Wer ist das?' with the correct scenario.
You use 'Wer ist das?' to identify unknown people.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDu siehst einen Mann auf einem Foto. Was fragst du?
'Wer' is used for people, 'Was' for things, 'Wo' for places, and 'Wie' for descriptions.
Wer ______ das?
The subject 'das' requires the 3rd person singular form of 'sein', which is 'ist'.
A: Wer ist das? B: Das ist ______ {der|m} Bruder.
'Bruder' is masculine, and in this sentence, it is in the nominative case after 'ist'.
Match 'Wer ist das?' with the correct scenario.
You use 'Wer ist das?' to identify unknown people.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, if you already know you are talking about a male. However, 'Wer ist das?' is more common for a first identification.
Both are used. 'Wer ist das?' is the general question, but 'Wer sind das?' is technically more correct if you see a group.
Yes, it is neutral. Just don't say it too loudly if the person is right next to you!
'Wer ist das?' is for someone you see. 'Wer ist da?' is for someone you hear (like a knock at the door).
Start with 'Das ist...' followed by the name or relationship (e.g., 'Das ist mein Bruder').
Related Phrases
Was ist das?
similarWhat is that?
Wer sind Sie?
specialized formWho are you? (formal)
Wie heißt er?
similarWhat is his name?
Wer ist da?
similarWho is there?
