German · Question Words
Was?
What?
Beginnerpronoun
Definition
Used to ask about a thing.
Example
Was möchten Sie essen?
What would you like to eat?
Etymology
The term 'was' originates from Old High German 'was', which is related to the Proto-Germanic '*was', meaning 'what'. It has preserved its form through the evolution of the German language.
How & Where It’s Used
'Was?' is predominantly used in both spoken and written contexts, primarily in informal communication. It is universally understood across German-speaking regions and serves as a basic interrogative pronoun.