German Question Words
Being able to ask questions is a key part of learning German. Once you have this mastered it opens up a whole world of conversational possibilities! Today's lesson covers how asking questions in German actually works.
Resources for further reading:
How to pronounce German question words
In English the order of the words changes when converting a statement to a question. The same is true in German. When asking a question, the order is as follows:
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Gehen wir bald?
Are we leaving soon?
Ist das dein Freund Paul?
Is that your friend Paul?
Bist du glücklich?
Are you happy?
Kannst du morgen kommen?
Are you able to come tomorrow?
Just like in English you raise the pitch of your voice at the end of a question. In German you can also turn a statement into a question just by pronouncing it like a question.
For example:
Er ist müde.
He is tired.
Er ist müde?
Is he tired?
Du rennst schnell.
You are running fast.
Du rennst schnell?
Are you running fast?
Das ist gut.
That is good.
Das ist gut?
Is that good?
Wir sind krank.
We are sick.
Wir sind krank?
Are we sick?
For more on the use of German questions check out these lessons...
- Dining in a German restaurant? How about asking for the bill in German. Your guests will be impressed!
- In this lesson you'll find lots of helpful German question phrases.
- Saying "how are you?" in German.
Bis bald!
Paul Weber: Rocket German
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