German - Basic Questions

Was ist ___?

What is ___?

Meaning: What is ___?

When to use: Ask for the identity or explanation of a thing (name, object, event).

Wann ist ___?

When is ___?

Meaning: When is ___?

When to use: Ask about dates or general time (day or date) for events and appointments.

Um wie viel Uhr ist ___?

What time is ___?

Meaning: What time is ___?

When to use: Ask for the exact clock time of an event (use with Uhr or a clock-time answer).

Tip: Beginners sometimes say "Wann ist...?" for exact clock times; use "Um wie viel Uhr...?" for a specific hour.

Kannst du ___?

Can you ___?

Meaning: Can you ___?

When to use: Make an informal request or ask if someone can do something (use with an infinitive).

Tip: Remember this is informal. For formal situations use "Können Sie ___?"

Wie sagt man ___?

How do you say ___?

Meaning: How do you say ___?

When to use: Ask how to express a word or phrase (often: "Wie sagt man ___ auf Deutsch?").