A2 Informal Inquiry
„Was soll das bedeuten?"
What do you mean by that?
What does „Was soll das bedeuten?" mean in German?
„Was soll das bedeuten?" means "What do you mean by that?." Literally: "What shall that mean?."
Literal Translation
"What shall that mean?"
Was What
soll shall
das that
bedeuten mean
English Equivalent
"What's the meaning of this?"
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
Cf. Was soll das heißen?
When is this idiom used?
Informal
This expression is used in informal, casual German conversation among friends and family.
Related Words
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Related Idioms
„Wie sieht's bei Ihnen aus?"
How are matters with you?
„Ist Herr N. da?"
Is Mr. N. in?
„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.
