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How to Say ‘What's the difference?’ in German

Was ist der Unterschied?

vahs ist dair OON-ter-sheed

[vahs ist dair OON-ter-sheed]

Phrase Breakdown

Was ist

vahs ist

What is

The start of a question. In fast speech it sounds almost like 'Wasist'.

Example

Was ist das?

What is that?

Words in this phrase

Was

[vahs]

What

Used to ask for information about something.

Example

"Was" machst du?

"What" are you doing?

ist

[ist]

The third-person singular form of "sein" meaning "to be."

Example

Das ist blau.

That is blue.

der Unterschied?

dair OON-ter-sheed

the difference?

'Unterschied' means difference and is stressed on 'Un-'. 'sch' sounds like 'sh'.

Example

Ich sehe keinen Unterschied.

I don't see a difference.

Words in this phrase

der

[dair]

the

Feminine article in the dative case, used after 'in' for location.

Example

Das steht in der Zeitung.

That's in the newspaper.

Unterschied

[OON-ter-sheed]

difference

Used when comparing bean origins, roast types, or blends.

Example

Unterschied in Was ist der Unterschied fragt nach dem Vergleich von Kaffeesorten.

'Difference' in 'Was ist der Unterschied' asks for a comparison of coffee types.

Guides for German learners

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