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How to Say ‘What does that mean?’ in German

Was bedeutet das?

vahs beh-DOY-tet dahs

[vahs beh-DOY-tet dahs]

Phrase Breakdown

Was

[vahs]

what

Question word used to ask for specific information.

Example

Was kostet der Valet-Service?

What does the valet service cost?

bedeutet

[beh-DOY-tet]

means

Form of 'bedeuten' (to mean) for he/she/it.

Example

Was bedeutet dieses Wort?

What does this word mean?

das

[dahs]

that

Used to indicate something known or assumed.

Example

Wir wissen, dass er kommt.

We know that he's coming.

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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