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How to Say ‘What is it about?’ in German

Worum geht es denn?

vo-ROOM gayt es den

[vo-ROOM gayt es den]

💬 Usage Tip: denn here doesn't mean "because"; it just softens the question and makes it sound friendlier. You'll hear it in lots of questions: Was ist denn los? "What's wrong, then?"

Phrase Breakdown

Worum

[vo-ROOM]

what about

Question word asking what something is about.

Example

Worum geht es im Film?

What is the film about?

geht es denn?

gayt es den

is it, then?

'denn' is a particle that makes a question sound more natural and interested.

Example

Was ist denn los?

What's the matter, then?

Words in this phrase

geht

[gayt]

is (it) about

In 'es geht um', gehen means 'to be about / concern'.

Example

Es geht um meinen Aufenthaltstitel.

It's about my residence permit.

[es]

A neutral pronoun used to refer to a thing previously mentioned.

Example

Es ist ein schöner Tag.

It is a beautiful day.

denn

[den]

then (filler)

Particle that makes questions sound more natural or show interest.

Example

Wo bist du denn?

Where are you, then?

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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