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How to Say ‘What's the difference?’ in German

Was ist der Unterschied?

vahs ist dair UN-ter-sheet

[vahs ist dair UN-ter-sheet]

🇩🇪 In Germany: Baristas in Germany are used to this question, especially with drinks like Latte Macchiato or Flat White whose names vary between cafés. Asking is perfectly normal.

Phrase Breakdown

Was ist

vahs ist

What is

This opens a question. "Was" sounds like "vas".

Example

Was ist das?

What is that?

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?

ist

[ist]

A form of the verb 'sein' used for singular subjects.

Example

Für viele Bewerber Ist ein gutes Teamklima entscheidend.

For many applicants, a good team climate is crucial.

der Unterschied?

dair UN-ter-sheet

the difference?

"Unterschied" is masculine. Stress the first syllable: "OON-ter-sheet".

Example

Ich sehe keinen Unterschied.

I don't see any difference.

Words in this phrase

der

[dair]

the

Feminine article in the dative case, used after 'in' for location.

Example

Das steht in der Zeitung.

That's in the newspaper.

Unterschied

[UN-ter-sheet]

difference

Masculine noun for how two things differ.

Example

Der Unterschied ist klein.

The difference is small.

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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