How to Say ‘What's going on?’ in German
Was ist denn los?
vahs ist den lohs
[vahs ist den lohs]
💬 Usage Tip: 'Denn' adds a conversational tone here; it doesn't mean 'then.' Tiny word, big native-speaker vibe.
🇩🇪 In Germany: This sounds concerned and natural, not overly formal.
Phrase Breakdown
Was
[vahs]
what
Used to ask what the problem or situation is.
Was ist mit der Heizung passiert?
What happened to the heating?
ist
[ist]
is
Third-person singular of 'sein' meaning 'is'.
Heute ist das Wasser wieder kalt.
Today the water is cold again.
denn
[den]
then / actually
A modal particle that softens the question and makes it sound natural in conversation.
Was ist denn mit dem Boiler los?
So what is wrong with the boiler?
los
[lohs]
wrong / going on
Used in the phrase 'los sein' to ask what is wrong or happening.
Mit dem warmen Wasser ist etwas los.
Something is wrong with the hot water.
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