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

Was haben Sie denn?

vahs hah-ben zee den

[vahs hah-ben zee den]

💬 Usage Tip: denn here doesn't mean "then". It's a softener that makes the question sound curious and friendly rather than blunt.

Phrase Breakdown

Was haben

vahs hah-ben

What do … have

A question word plus the verb 'haben' (to have). 'Was' sounds like 'vahs'.

Example

Was haben wir heute?

What do we have today?

Words in this phrase

Was

[vahs]

what

Question word used to ask for specific information.

Example

Was kostet der Valet-Service?

What does the valet service cost?

haben

[hah-ben]

have

To possess or hold something.

Example

Ich habe ein Buch.

I have a book.

Sie denn?

zee den

you, then?

'denn' is a softening particle that makes the question sound curious and natural. It has no direct English equivalent.

Example

Wo sind Sie denn?

Where are you, then?

Words in this phrase

Sie

[zee]

you (formal)

Formal pronoun Sie used to address one person politely.

Example

Kommen Sie bitte herein.

Please come in.

denn

[den]

then / actually

A modal particle that makes a question sound more natural, like 'then' or 'actually.'

Example

Was ist denn mit der Heizung los?

So what is wrong with the heating?

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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