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How to Say ‘Are you serious?’ in German

Ist das ernst?

ist das ernst

[ist das ernst]

💬 Usage Tip: Expression useful in disbelief or clarification.

🇩🇪 In Germany: Commonly heard in both informal and formal settings.

Phrase Breakdown

Ist

[ist]

is

The third person singular form of 'sein', used here to form a question.

Example

Ist das dein Auto?

Is that your car?

das

[das]

the

A definite article used to specify something previously considered or already known.

Example

Das Haus ist groß.

The house is big.

Ernst?

ernst

Words in this phrase

ernst

[ernst]

serious

Used to ask if something is not in jest and should be taken sincerely.

Example

Er fragt: 'Ist das ernst?', als der Pizzalieferant nicht kam.

He asks, 'Is that serious?', when the pizza delivery guy didn't come.

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