In German
Was
Meaning: what
Example sentences
Wasistdas?
What is that?
Wasmachstduheute?
What are you doing today?
Was?Ichhabedichnichtverstanden.
What? I didn't understand you.
Grammar note
“Was” asks about things, not people (for people use “wer”). It never changes form, unlike “wer”.
Common mistake
Don't confuse “was” (what) with “wer” (who), “wie” (how) or “wo” (where).
Quick check
Which question word asks about a thing?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What is “Was?” said alone?
A short “Was?” means “What?” and sounds sharp in speech. Use “Wie bitte?” to be polite.
Does “was” mean “that” too?
Yes, after certain verbs and as a relative word, “was” can mean “that” or “which”.