German - Asking for Clarification

Kannst du das anders sagen?

Can you say it another way?

Meaning: Can you say it another way?

When to use: Use this when you understand the general idea but need a different phrasing or a simpler explanation.

Welches?

Which one?

Meaning: Which one?

When to use: Ask this when you need to know which item or option someone means among several choices.

Tip: Beginners often forget gender/case forms (welcher/welche/welches). Use 'Welches?' for neutral nouns.

So?

Like this?

Meaning: Like this?

When to use: Use when you check an action, position, or how something should look or be done.

Ist das richtig?

Is this correct?

Meaning: Is this correct?

When to use: Ask this to check an answer, a word, a form, or whether an action is right.

Was ist das für ein Wort?

What is this word?

Meaning: What is this word?

When to use: Use when pointing to or showing a written word that you don't know.

Ich kann dich nicht hören.

I can't hear you.

Meaning: I can't hear you.

When to use: Say this when the speaker is too quiet or there is bad audio connection.

Tip: Remember the formal version: 'Ich kann Sie nicht hören.' for formal situations.

Du hast ___ gesagt?

You said ___?

Meaning: You said ___?

When to use: Use this with rising intonation to check that you heard a specific word or phrase correctly.

Tip: Don't forget the rising intonation when checking — it shows you're confirming, not stating.

Das hier?

This one?

Meaning: This one?

When to use: Point to an object or option and use this to confirm which item you mean.