A2 Colloquial Concern
„Was hast du denn?"
What is the matter with you?
What does „Was hast du denn?" mean in German?
„Was hast du denn?" means "What is the matter with you?." Literally: "What have you then?."
Literal Translation
"What have you then?"
Was What
hast have
du you
denn then
English Equivalent
"What's wrong?"
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
Cf. Was fehlt Ihnen?
When is this idiom used?
Colloquial
This expression is used in everyday spoken German in casual and semi-formal settings.
Related Words
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Related Idioms
„Wer A sagt, muß auch B sagen."
In for a penny, in for a pound.
„Er kommt ab und zu."
He comes now and then.
„Er ist das Abbild (von) seiner Mutter."
He is the very image of his mother.
„Ich kann heute nicht abkommen."
I can't get away (off) today.
„Die Uhr ist abgelaufen."
The clock has run down.
„Wie wird das ablaufen?"
How will this turn out?
