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How to Say ‘What do you need?’ in German

Was brauchen Sie?

vahs BROW-khen zee

[vahs BROW-khen zee]

Phrase Breakdown

Was

[vahs]

what

Question word used to ask for information about something.

Example

Was machen Sie beruflich?

What do you do professionally?

brauchen

[BROW-khen]

need

A polite/formal verb meaning to need or require something.

Example

Brauchen Sie noch meine Telefonnummer für den Termin?

Do you still need my phone number for the appointment?

Sie

[zee]

you (formal)

Polite form of address, appropriate for neighbors in formal situations.

Example

Schön, dass Sie da sind!

Nice that you are here!

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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