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How to Say ‘What the hell is that?’ in German

Was zum Teufel ist das?

vas tsoom TOY-fel ist dahs

[vas tsoom TOY-fel ist dahs]

💬 Usage Tip: The verb comes right after Was zum Teufel. Swap in another: Was zum Teufel machst du? "What the hell are you doing?"

Phrase Breakdown

Was zum Teufel

vas tsoom TOY-fel

What the hell

The intensifying phrase. 'zum' is a contraction of 'zu dem'. Stress 'Teu'.

Example

Was zum Teufel machst du hier?

What the hell are you doing here?

Words in this phrase

Was

[vas]

What

Asking for clarification or indication of surprise.

Example

Was zur Hölle ist passiert?

What the hell happened?

zum

[tsoom]

to the

Indicating direction toward a place.

Example

Wir gehen zum Park.

We are going to the park.

Teufel

[TOY-fel]

devil

Referring to evil or mischief, often used in curses.

Example

Zum Teufel sollst du gehen!

Go to the devil!

ist das?

ist dahs

is that?

Completes the question. Link the two words: 'istdas', with rising intonation at the end.

Example

Was ist das?

What is that?

Words in this phrase

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

Can refer to a thing, item, or dish in front of you.

Example

Was ist das? Das Wort das can mean that or it.

What is that? The word das can mean that or it.

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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