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How to Say ‘What does that mean?’ in German

Was bedeutet das?

vahs buh-DOY-tet dahs

[vahs buh-DOY-tet dahs]

💬 Usage Tip: Excellent rescue phrase for unclear test results, numbers, or medical terms.

🇩🇪 In Germany: A perfect question in Germany—direct, polite, and practical. Doctors are used to it.

Phrase Breakdown

Was

[vahs]

what

Question word introducing a request for explanation.

Example

Was bedeutet das für meine Gesundheit?

What does that mean for my health?

bedeutet

[buh-DOY-tet]

means

Verb used to ask about the meaning of something.

Example

Was bedeutet das Wort bedeutet hier?

What does the word 'means' mean here?

das

[dahs]

that

Refers to a specific thing, result, or statement being discussed.

Example

Können Sie erklären, was das zeigt?

Can you explain what that shows?

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