How to Say ‘How about’ in German
Was halten Sie von
vas HAHL-ten zee fon
[vas HAHL-ten zee fon]
💬 Usage Tip: Was halten Sie von ...? is the standard pattern for "What do you think of ...?" or "How about ...?" Keep von with it: Was halten Sie von dem Plan?
🇩🇪 In Germany: This is a useful softening phrase when proposing something. It sounds more cooperative than a blunt suggestion or demand.
Phrase Breakdown
Was
[vas]
what
An interrogative pronoun used to ask for a specific information.
Was hat er gesagt?
What did he say?
halten
[HAHL-ten]
hold
To keep or maintain a certain position or condition.
Sie halten die Katze sanft.
They hold the cat gently.
Sie
[zee]
you (formal)
A polite form of addressing someone.
Können Sie das bestätigen?
Can you confirm that?
von
[fon]
from
Used to indicate a starting point or origin.
Der Brief ist von ihm.
The letter is from him.
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