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How to Say ‘So what does Emma like to play?’ in German

Was spielt Emma denn gern?

vahs shpeelt EM-ah denn gehrn

[vahs shpeelt EM-ah denn gehrn]

Phrase Breakdown

Was spielt Emma

vahs shpeelt EM-ah

What does Emma play

The question word comes first, then the verb, then the subject.

Example

Was spielt Paul?

What is Paul playing?

Words in this phrase

Was

[vahs]

what

Used to ask for information or a choice.

Example

Was möchtest du trinken?

What would you like to drink?

spielt

[shpeelt]

plays

Third-person form of 'spielen', to play.

Example

Er spielt mit Bausteinen.

He plays with building blocks.

Emma

[EM-ah]

Emma (name)

A popular German girl's first name.

Example

Emma ist zwei Jahre alt.

Emma is two years old.

denn gern?

denn gehrn

like to (play), then?

'Denn' softens the question. 'Gern' means 'likes to'.

Example

Was isst du denn gern?

So what do you like to eat?

Words in this phrase

denn

[denn]

then; actually

A conversational particle that makes the question sound more natural and curious.

Example

Was ist denn drin, ich bin neugierig.

What is in it then, I'm curious.

gern

[gehrn]

gladly

Adds warmth and friendliness, like saying 'feel free' or 'please do.'

Example

Setz dich gern.

Have a seat, gladly.

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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