A1 Expression 非正式

Wann denn?

When then?

意思

To ask for a specific time or clarification of 'when'.

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文化背景

In Germany, asking 'Wann denn?' is often the first step to opening {der|m} Terminkalender (the calendar). It shows you are serious about a plan. Austrians might use 'Wann denn?' slightly more softly, often followed by 'bitte' to remain extra polite. Swiss German speakers have their own versions (like 'Wenn dänn?'), but in High German, 'Wann denn?' is perfectly understood and used. Even in modern German startups, 'Wann denn?' is used to cut through 'corporate speak' and get to concrete deadlines.

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The 'Denn' Rule

If you are asking a question with a W-word (Wer, Was, Wo, Wann), adding 'denn' instantly makes you sound 50% more like a native speaker.

⚠️

Watch your tone

A flat 'Wann denn' can sound like you're annoyed. Keep your voice light and rising at the end for a friendly vibe.

意思

To ask for a specific time or clarification of 'when'.

🎯

The 'Denn' Rule

If you are asking a question with a W-word (Wer, Was, Wo, Wann), adding 'denn' instantly makes you sound 50% more like a native speaker.

⚠️

Watch your tone

A flat 'Wann denn' can sound like you're annoyed. Keep your voice light and rising at the end for a friendly vibe.

💬

Punctuality

Germans love specifics. 'Wann denn?' is your tool to get them.

💡

Texting

In texts, 'Wann denn?' is often shortened to 'Wann?' by very close friends, but 'Wann denn?' is always safer.

自我测试

Which is the most natural way to ask 'When then?' in German?

A: Ich komme heute. B: ______?

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: Wann denn

'Wann denn' is the standard natural expression using the modal particle 'denn'.

Complete the dialogue with the missing word.

Wir müssen uns mal treffen! — Ja, gerne. Wann ____?

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: denn

The particle 'denn' follows 'Wann' to soften the question.

Choose the best response to sound like a native speaker.

Kollege: 'Ich bringe dir das Buch bald zurück.' Du: '________'

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: Wann denn?

While 'Wann genau?' is also correct, 'Wann denn?' is the most natural conversational follow-up.

Match the tone to the sentence.

1. Wann denn? (Rising intonation) 2. Wann denn?! (Sharp falling intonation)

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: 1: Curious, 2: Impatient

Intonation changes the meaning of modal particles significantly.

🎉 得分: /4

视觉学习工具

Wann vs. Wann denn?

Wann?
Direct Direct
Formal Formal
Wann denn?
Natural Natural
Engaged Engaged

练习题库

4 练习
Which is the most natural way to ask 'When then?' in German? Choose A1

A: Ich komme heute. B: ______?

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: Wann denn

'Wann denn' is the standard natural expression using the modal particle 'denn'.

Complete the dialogue with the missing word. Fill Blank A1

Wir müssen uns mal treffen! — Ja, gerne. Wann ____?

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: denn

The particle 'denn' follows 'Wann' to soften the question.

Choose the best response to sound like a native speaker. dialogue_completion A2

Kollege: 'Ich bringe dir das Buch bald zurück.' Du: '________'

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: Wann denn?

While 'Wann genau?' is also correct, 'Wann denn?' is the most natural conversational follow-up.

Match the tone to the sentence. situation_matching B1

1. Wann denn? (Rising intonation) 2. Wann denn?! (Sharp falling intonation)

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: 1: Curious, 2: Impatient

Intonation changes the meaning of modal particles significantly.

🎉 得分: /4

常见问题

12 个问题

No, it's actually more polite and natural than just 'Wann?'. However, your tone of voice can make it sound impatient.

Yes, if the atmosphere is relatively casual. In a very formal setting, use 'Wann genau?' or 'Wann wäre das?'.

'Wann' is a neutral request for time. 'Wann denn' is more conversational and shows you are following the discussion.

'Dann' is used for sequences in statements. In questions, German uses the particle 'denn'.

Yes! This is very common and asks for the specific minute or hour.

No. In this context, it is a modal particle with no direct English translation, though it functions like 'then'.

Yes, it is standard German and used everywhere from Hamburg to Munich.

Yes. If someone says 'I was in Berlin,' you can ask 'Wann denn?' to know when they were there.

Like an English 'V'. Never like an English 'W'.

Yes: 'Wann soll das denn sein?' or 'Wann genau meinst du?'.

Yes, children use it all the time when they are excited about something.

It is the perfect WhatsApp phrase for planning.

相关表达

🔗

Wann genau?

similar

When exactly?

🔗

Wer denn?

builds on

Who then?

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Was denn?

builds on

What then? / What's up?

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Wo denn?

builds on

Where then?

🔗

Wann eigentlich?

similar

When, actually?

🔗

Wann sonst?

contrast

When else?

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