A2 Colloquial Helplessness
„Was soll ich anfangen?"
What shall I do?
What does „Was soll ich anfangen?" mean in German?
„Was soll ich anfangen?" means "What shall I do?." Literally: "What shall I begin?."
Literal Translation
"What shall I begin?"
Was What
soll shall
ich I
anfangen begin
English Equivalent
"What am I supposed to do?"
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
Modal 'sollen' + separable verb
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
„Ich kann nichts dafür."
I can not help it.
„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.
