How to Say ‘What is the problem?’ in German
Was ist das Problem?
vahs ist dahs proh-BLAYM
[vahs ist dahs proh-BLAYM]
💬 Usage Tip: A direct question. You may also hear the softer version 'Was ist denn das Problem?'
🇩🇪 In Germany: This can sound a bit blunt in English, but in German service settings it is often just practical and neutral.
Phrase Breakdown
Was
[vahs]
what
Question word asking for the issue or reason.
Was ist das Problem?
What is the problem?
ist
[ist]
is
Form of 'to be' used here in a question.
Was ist das Problem?
What is the problem?
Das Problem
dahs proh-BLAYM
the problem
The thing being asked about or discussed.
Das Problem ist groß.
The problem is big.
Words in this phrase
das
[dahs]
the
Definite article for a neuter noun here.
Was ist das Problem?
What is the problem?
Problem
[proh-BLAYM]
problem
The issue being discussed.
Was ist das Problem?
What is the problem?
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