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How to Say ‘What kind of noise is it?’ in German

Was für ein Lärm ist das?

vahs fuer ine lairm ist dahs

[vahs fuer ine lairm ist dahs]

Phrase Breakdown

Was für

vahs fuer

what kind of

Opens a question about the type of something. Round your lips for 'ü'.

Example

Was für Musik hörst du?

What kind of music do you listen to?

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 ist das?

ine lairm ist dahs

a noise is that?

The verb 'ist' follows the noun phrase, and 'das' ends the question. Let your voice fall slightly at the end.

Example

Was für ein Buch ist das?

What kind of book is that?

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.

ist

[ist]

A form of the verb 'sein' used for singular subjects.

Example

Für viele Bewerber Ist ein gutes Teamklima entscheidend.

For many applicants, a good team climate is crucial.

das

[dahs]

that / it

Used to refer to a situation or thing being discussed.

Example

Das ist nicht die richtige Straße.

That is not the right street.

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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