🔊❓

How to Say ‘What kind of noise’ in German

Was für ein Lärm

vahs fuer ine lairm

[vahs fuer ine lairm]

💬 Usage Tip: Was für ein...? asks "what kind of...?" even though für usually means "for". Swap the noun: Was für ein Zimmer? "what kind of room?"

Phrase Breakdown

Was für

vahs fuer

what (kind of)

'Was für' asks about the kind of something or expresses surprise. 'Was' sounds like 'vass'. 'Ü' is 'ee' said with rounded lips.

Example

Was für ein Auto ist das?

What kind of car is that?

Words in this phrase

Was

[vahs]

What

Used to ask for information about something.

Example

"Was" machst du?

"What" are you doing?

für

[fuer]

for (in 'what kind of')

With 'was' it forms 'was für', meaning 'what kind of' or 'what a'.

Example

Was für ein Auto ist das?

What kind of car is that?

ein Lärm

ine lairm

a noise

'Lärm' (noise) is masculine. 'Ä' sounds like the 'e' in 'bed'.

Example

Das ist ein Lärm!

That's some noise!

Words in this phrase

ein

[ine]

a; an

Indefinite article used before 'Hallo'.

Example

Reicht das für ein Hallo, oder braucht es ein besseres Timing?

Is that enough for a hello, or does it need better timing?

Lärm

[lairm]

noise

Unpleasant loud sound; a masculine noun.

Example

Der Lärm stört mich.

The noise bothers me.

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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