“What Do You Mean?” Mastering German Equivalents

Understanding how to ask “What do you mean?” in German is crucial for effective communication and comprehension. It’s a fundamental phrase that clarifies misunderstandings, prompts further explanation, and ensures that you’re on the same page in any conversation.

This article delves into the various ways to express this essential question, providing a comprehensive guide suitable for learners of all levels. By mastering these phrases, you’ll enhance your ability to navigate German conversations confidently and avoid misinterpretations.

This article will be beneficial for students, travelers, and anyone interested in improving their German language skills.

This article will explore the nuances of asking for clarification in German, covering different levels of formality, regional variations, and contextual appropriateness. We will examine the grammatical structures, provide numerous examples, and offer practical exercises to solidify your understanding.

By the end of this guide, you will be well-equipped to ask “What do you mean?” in a variety of German contexts.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition: “What Do You Mean?” in German
3. Structural Breakdown of Key Phrases
4. Types and Categories of German Equivalents
5. Examples of “What Do You Mean?” in German
6. Usage Rules and Considerations
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics and Nuances
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. Conclusion

Definition: “What Do You Mean?” in German

The English phrase “What do you mean?” is used to request clarification or explanation when something is unclear or ambiguous. In German, there isn’t a single, direct translation that perfectly captures all nuances.

Instead, several phrases can be used, depending on the context, level of formality, and the specific nuance you want to convey. These phrases range from direct and literal translations to more idiomatic expressions.

The core function of these German equivalents remains the same: to seek clarification and understanding. They signal to the speaker that their previous statement was not fully comprehended and that further explanation is required.

The choice of which phrase to use depends on the relationship between the speakers, the tone of the conversation, and the specific aspect of the statement that needs clarification. Understanding these factors is essential for effective communication in German.

Here are some of the most common translations of “What do you mean?” in German:

• Was meinst du? (Informal)
• Was meinen Sie? (Formal)
• Was bedeutet das? (More literal, “What does that mean?”)
• Wie meinen Sie das? (Formal, “How do you mean that?”)
• Wie meinst du das? (Informal, “How do you mean that?”)

Structural Breakdown of Key Phrases

Understanding the grammatical structure of each phrase will help you use them correctly and confidently. Let’s break down the most common expressions:

Was meinst du? / Was meinen Sie?

This is perhaps the most direct translation of “What do you mean?” Here’s the breakdown:

• Was: What (interrogative pronoun)
• meinst: Second-person singular present tense of the verb meinen (to mean)
• du: You (informal, nominative case)
• meinen: Second-person formal/plural present tense of the verb meinen (to mean)
• Sie: You (formal, nominative case)

The verb meinen is conjugated differently depending on whether you are addressing someone informally (du) or formally (Sie). Remember to use the appropriate form based on your relationship with the person you’re speaking to.

Was bedeutet das?

This phrase translates more directly to “What does that mean?” It’s a useful alternative when you want to focus on the definition or significance of something.

• Was: What (interrogative pronoun)
• bedeutet: Third-person singular present tense of the verb bedeuten (to mean, to signify)
• das: That (demonstrative pronoun, nominative or accusative case)

The verb bedeuten focuses on the meaning or significance of something, rather than the intention behind it. It’s useful when you’re unsure about the definition of a word or the implication of a statement.

Wie meinst du das? / Wie meinen Sie das?

This translates to “How do you mean that?” It asks for clarification on the manner or method in which something is meant.

• Wie: How (interrogative adverb)
• meinst: Second-person singular present tense of the verb meinen (to mean)
• du: You (informal, nominative case)
• meinen: Second-person formal/plural present tense of the verb meinen (to mean)
• Sie: You (formal, nominative case)
• das: That (demonstrative pronoun, nominative or accusative case)

This phrase is suitable when you understand the basic meaning of something but want to know more about the speaker’s perspective or intention behind it.

Types and Categories of German Equivalents

The German phrases for “What do you mean?” can be categorized based on formality and the specific nuance they convey:

Formality

• Informal (du form): Used with friends, family, and people you know well. Examples include Was meinst du? and Wie meinst du das?
• Formal (Sie form): Used with strangers, superiors, and in professional settings. Examples include Was meinen Sie? and Wie meinen Sie das?

Nuance

• Direct Clarification: Simply asking for an explanation. Examples include Was meinst du? and Was meinen Sie?
• Meaning-Focused: Emphasizing the definition or significance of something. Example: Was bedeutet das?
• Intention-Focused: Inquiring about the speaker’s perspective or intention. Examples include Wie meinst du das? and Wie meinen Sie das?

Regional Variations

While the phrases listed above are widely understood, some regional variations exist. For example, in some parts of Germany, you might hear slightly different word orders or alternative expressions.

However, the core phrases remain the most common and widely accepted.

Examples of “What Do You Mean?” in German

To fully grasp the usage of these phrases, let’s examine various examples in different contexts. The tables below provide a range of scenarios, demonstrating how to use each phrase appropriately.

Table 1: Informal Scenarios (du form)

The following table contains examples of using “What do you mean?” in informal settings, using the du form.

English	German	Context
You said you’re going to the party, but you look tired. What do you mean?	Du hast gesagt, du gehst zur Party, aber du siehst müde aus. Was meinst du?	Asking a friend who seems reluctant to go to a party.
I don’t understand. You said we should meet at the train station, but which entrance? What do you mean?	Ich verstehe nicht. Du hast gesagt, wir sollen uns am Bahnhof treffen, aber welcher Eingang? Was meinst du?	Clarifying a meeting place with a friend.
You said the movie was boring, but everyone else loved it. How do you mean that?	Du hast gesagt, der Film war langweilig, aber alle anderen fanden ihn toll. Wie meinst du das?	Asking for an explanation of a friend’s opinion about a movie.
This cake tastes strange. What do you mean you added salt instead of sugar?	Dieser Kuchen schmeckt komisch. Was meinst du, du hast Salz statt Zucker hinzugefügt?	Expressing surprise and seeking clarification about a baking mistake.
You said you’re not coming. What do you mean? I thought you were excited about it!	Du hast gesagt, du kommst nicht. Was meinst du? Ich dachte, du freust dich darauf!	Expressing disappointment and seeking clarification about a change of plans.
I’m not sure I understand. You mentioned something about a ‘deadline’. What do you mean by that?	Ich bin mir nicht sicher, ob ich das verstehe. Du hast etwas von einer ‘Frist’ erwähnt. Was meinst du damit?	Seeking clarification about a deadline.
You said the project is “complicated”. How do you mean that?	Du hast gesagt, das Projekt ist “kompliziert”. Wie meinst du das?	Asking a colleague to elaborate on the difficulties of a project.
When you said the restaurant was “expensive,” what did you mean?	Als du sagtest, das Restaurant sei “teuer”, was meintest du damit?	Asking for more details about the pricing of a restaurant.
You mentioned postponing the meeting. What do you mean by that?	Du hast erwähnt, das Treffen zu verschieben. Was meinst du damit?	Seeking clarification about a meeting postponement.
You said you can’t make it to the party. What do you mean?	Du hast gesagt, du kannst es nicht zur Party schaffen. Was meinst du?	Expressing confusion about someone’s absence from a party.
You said the task is “urgent”. How do you mean that?	Du hast gesagt, die Aufgabe ist “dringend”. Wie meinst du das?	Requesting more details about the urgency of a task.
You said you weren’t feeling well. What do you mean?	Du hast gesagt, du fühlst dich nicht wohl. Was meinst du?	Expressing concern and asking for more details about someone’s health.
When you mentioned “next steps,” what did you mean?	Als du “nächste Schritte” erwähnt hast, was meintest du damit?	Seeking clarification about the upcoming actions.
You said the answer was “obvious.” How do you mean that?	Du hast gesagt, die Antwort sei “offensichtlich”. Wie meinst du das?	Asking for an explanation about why something is considered obvious.
When you said you “need more time,” what did you mean?	Als du sagtest, du “brauchst mehr Zeit”, was meintest du damit?	Asking for more clarification about needing more time.
You mentioned something about “new regulations.” What do you mean?	Du hast etwas über “neue Vorschriften” erwähnt. Was meinst du?	Seeking clarification about new regulations.
You said the situation is “complex.” How do you mean that?	Du hast gesagt, die Situation ist “komplex”. Wie meinst du das?	Asking for more details about a complex situation.
When you said you “disagree,” what did you mean?	Als du sagtest, du “stimmst nicht zu”, was meintest du damit?	Asking for the reasoning behind a disagreement.
You said you have a “better idea.” What do you mean?	Du hast gesagt, du hast eine “bessere Idee.” Was meinst du?	Expressing curiosity about a better idea.
You mentioned something about “additional costs.” What do you mean by that?	Du hast etwas über “zusätzliche Kosten” erwähnt. Was meinst du damit?	Seeking clarification about additional costs.

Table 2: Formal Scenarios (Sie form)

The following table contains examples of using “What do you mean?” in formal settings, using the Sie form.

English	German	Context
You mentioned changes in the policy. What do you mean?	Sie haben Änderungen in der Richtlinie erwähnt. Was meinen Sie?	Asking a superior about policy changes.
You said the project might face some delays. How do you mean that?	Sie haben gesagt, das Projekt könnte einige Verzögerungen erfahren. Wie meinen Sie das?	Inquiring about potential delays in a project with a client.
You stated that the outcome was unexpected. What do you mean by that?	Sie haben erklärt, dass das Ergebnis unerwartet war. Was meinen Sie damit?	Seeking clarification about an unexpected outcome from a supervisor.
You indicated that further investigation is required. What do you mean?	Sie haben angedeutet, dass weitere Untersuchungen erforderlich sind. Was meinen Sie?	Asking a colleague about the need for further investigation in a professional setting.
You alluded to potential risks. How do you mean that?	Sie haben auf mögliche Risiken hingewiesen. Wie meinen Sie das?	Asking a manager to explain potential risks in a business context.
You said the decision was “controversial.” How do you mean that?	Sie sagten, die Entscheidung sei “umstritten”. Wie meinen Sie das?	Requesting more information about a controversial decision.
You mentioned “restructuring”. What do you mean?	Sie haben “Umstrukturierung” erwähnt. Was meinen Sie?	Seeking clarification about organizational restructuring.
You said the situation is “untenable”. How do you mean that?	Sie sagten, die Situation sei “unhaltbar”. Wie meinen Sie das?	Asking for details about an unsustainable situation.
You mentioned “revised guidelines”. What do you mean by that?	Sie haben “überarbeitete Richtlinien” erwähnt. Was meinen Sie damit?	Seeking clarification about revised guidelines.
You said you “require more data”. What do you mean?	Sie sagten, Sie “benötigen mehr Daten”. Was meinen Sie?	Asking for more details about the need for more data.
You indicated the results were “inconclusive”. How do you mean that?	Sie deuteten an, dass die Ergebnisse “nicht schlüssig” seien. Wie meinen Sie das?	Requesting further explanation about inconclusive results.
You mentioned “budgetary constraints”. What do you mean by that?	Sie haben “Budgetbeschränkungen” erwähnt. Was meinen Sie damit?	Seeking clarification about budget limitations.
You said the approach is “innovative”. How do you mean that?	Sie sagten, der Ansatz sei “innovativ”. Wie meinen Sie das?	Asking for more details about an innovative approach.
You mentioned “strategic alignment”. What do you mean?	Sie haben “strategische Ausrichtung” erwähnt. Was meinen Sie?	Seeking clarification about strategic alignment.
You said the timeline is “aggressive”. How do you mean that?	Sie sagten, der Zeitplan sei “aggressiv”. Wie meinen Sie das?	Requesting more information about an ambitious timeline.
You mentioned “operational efficiency”. What do you mean by that?	Sie haben “operative Effizienz” erwähnt. Was meinen Sie damit?	Seeking clarification about operational efficiency.
You said the analysis is “preliminary”. How do you mean that?	Sie sagten, die Analyse sei “vorläufig”. Wie meinen Sie das?	Asking for details about a preliminary analysis.
You mentioned “market volatility”. What do you mean?	Sie haben “Marktvolatilität” erwähnt. Was meinen Sie?	Seeking clarification about market volatility.
You said the process is “iterative”. How do you mean that?	Sie sagten, der Prozess sei “iterativ”. Wie meinen Sie das?	Requesting more information about an iterative process.
You mentioned “resource allocation”. What do you mean by that?	Sie haben “Ressourcenallokation” erwähnt. Was meinen Sie damit?	Seeking clarification about resource allocation.

Table 3: Meaning-Focused Scenarios (Was bedeutet das?)

The following table contains examples of using “What does that mean?” in various settings, using the phrase Was bedeutet das?.

English	German	Context
What does ‘zeitgeist’ mean?	Was bedeutet ‘Zeitgeist’?	Asking for the definition of a German word.
I don’t understand the term ‘sustainability’. What does that mean?	Ich verstehe den Begriff ‘Nachhaltigkeit’ nicht. Was bedeutet das?	Seeking the meaning of a specific term.
What does ‘quid pro quo’ mean in this context?	Was bedeutet ‘Quid pro quo’ in diesem Zusammenhang?	Asking for the meaning of a phrase in a specific situation.
You used the word ‘ubiquitous’. What does that mean?	Du hast das Wort ‘ubiquitär’ benutzt. Was bedeutet das?	Asking for the definition of a less common word.
What does ‘cognitive dissonance’ mean?	Was bedeutet ‘kognitive Dissonanz’?	Asking for the meaning of a psychological term.
I saw the term ‘artificial intelligence’. What does that mean?	Ich habe den Begriff ‘künstliche Intelligenz’ gesehen. Was bedeutet das?	Seeking clarification about the definition of a technical term.
What does the abbreviation ‘ASAP’ mean?	Was bedeutet die Abkürzung ‘ASAP’?	Asking for the meaning of an acronym.
You mentioned ‘blockchain technology’. What does that mean?	Du hast ‘Blockchain-Technologie’ erwähnt. Was bedeutet das?	Seeking the definition of a technological concept.
What does ‘quantum physics’ mean?	Was bedeutet ‘Quantenphysik’?	Asking for the definition of a scientific field.
I heard the term ‘globalization’. What does that mean?	Ich habe den Begriff ‘Globalisierung’ gehört. Was bedeutet das?	Seeking clarification about a common term.
What does ‘renewable energy’ mean?	Was bedeutet ‘erneuerbare Energie’?	Asking for the definition of an energy term.
I read about ‘CRISPR technology’. What does that mean?	Ich habe über ‘CRISPR-Technologie’ gelesen. Was bedeutet das?	Seeking clarification about a scientific term.
What does ‘virtual reality’ mean?	Was bedeutet ‘virtuelle Realität’?	Asking for the definition of a technology term.
You talked about ‘machine learning’. What does that mean?	Du hast über ‘maschinelles Lernen’ gesprochen. Was bedeutet das?	Seeking the meaning of an AI concept.
What does ‘e-commerce’ mean?	Was bedeutet ‘E-Commerce’?	Asking for the definition of a business term.
I saw the term ‘big data’. What does that mean?	Ich habe den Begriff ‘Big Data’ gesehen. Was bedeutet das?	Seeking clarification about a data concept.
What does ‘cloud computing’ mean?	Was bedeutet ‘Cloud Computing’?	Asking for the definition of a computing term.
You mentioned ‘the Internet of Things’. What does that mean?	Du hast ‘das Internet der Dinge’ erwähnt. Was bedeutet das?	Seeking the meaning of a technological trend.
What does ‘augmented reality’ mean?	Was bedeutet ‘Augmented Reality’?	Asking for the definition of a technology term.
I heard about ‘5G technology’. What does that mean?	Ich habe von ‘5G-Technologie’ gehört. Was bedeutet das?	Seeking clarification about a telecommunications term.

Usage Rules and Considerations

Using these phrases correctly requires understanding the nuances of German grammar and social etiquette.

Formality is Key

Always consider your relationship with the person you’re speaking to. Using the informal du form with someone you should address formally (Sie) can be considered rude. When in doubt, use the formal Sie form.

Context Matters

The specific context of the conversation will determine the most appropriate phrase. If you’re unsure about the definition of a word, Was bedeutet das? is the best choice. If you want to understand the speaker’s intention, Wie meinen Sie das? or Wie meinst du das? is more suitable.

Tone of Voice

Your tone of voice can significantly impact how your question is received. Asking “What do you mean?” in a confrontational tone can sound accusatory.

Try to maintain a neutral or inquisitive tone to encourage a helpful response.

Adding “Damit”

You can add “damit” (with that) to the end of the questions, especially with “Was meinst du/Sie?” to be more specific. For example, “Was meinst du damit?” translates to “What do you mean by that?”.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes that German learners make when asking “What do you mean?” and how to avoid them:

• Incorrect Formality: Using du when you should use Sie, or vice versa. Correct: Was meinen Sie? (formal) vs. Was meinst du? (informal). Incorrect: Using Was meinst Sie?
• Word Order Errors: Incorrect word order can make your question sound awkward or confusing. Correct: Wie meinen Sie das? Incorrect: Wie das meinen Sie?
• Using the Wrong Verb: Confusing meinen (to mean) with bedeuten (to signify). Correct: Was bedeutet das? (What does that mean?) vs. Was meinst du? (What do you mean?). Incorrect: Was bedeutet du?

The table below shows correct and incorrect versions of common “What do you mean?” questions in German:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
Was meinst Sie?	Was meinen Sie?	Incorrect conjugation of meinen with the formal Sie.
Wie das meinst du?	Wie meinst du das?	Incorrect word order.
Was bedeutet du?	Was meinst du?	Using the wrong verb (bedeuten instead of meinen).
Was du meinst?	Was meinst du?	Word order incorrect.
Was Sie meinen?	Was meinen Sie?	Word order incorrect.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Translate the following English sentences into German, using the appropriate form and phrase.

Exercise 1: Informal (du form)

Question	Your Answer
1. You said you’re tired. What do you mean?
2. You said the food is too spicy. How do you mean that?
3. You said you don’t want to go. What do you mean by that?
4. You said the movie was bad. How do you mean that?
5. You said you need help. What do you mean?
6. You said it’s going to rain. What do you mean?
7. You mentioned something about a surprise. What do you mean?
8. You said you have a secret. What do you mean?
9. You mentioned a new plan. What do you mean by that?
10. You said you liked the book. How do you mean that?

Answer Key: 1. Du hast gesagt, du bist müde. Was meinst du? 2. Du hast gesagt, das Essen ist zu scharf. Wie meinst du das? 3. Du hast gesagt, du willst nicht gehen. Was meinst du damit? 4. Du hast gesagt, der Film war schlecht. Wie meinst du das? 5. Du hast gesagt, du brauchst Hilfe. Was meinst du? 6. Du hast gesagt, es wird regnen. Was meinst du? 7. Du hast etwas von einer Überraschung erwähnt. Was meinst du? 8. Du hast gesagt, du hast ein Geheimnis. Was meinst du? 9. Du hast einen neuen Plan erwähnt. Was meinst du damit? 10. Du hast gesagt, dir hat das Buch gefallen. Wie meinst du das?

Exercise 2: Formal (Sie form)

Question	Your Answer
1. You said the project is delayed. What do you mean?
2. You said the results are inconclusive. How do you mean that?
3. You said we need more resources. What do you mean by that?
4. You said the situation is critical. How do you mean that?
5. You said the deadline is approaching. What do you mean?
6. You mentioned the budget cuts. What do you mean?
7. You said the strategy needs revision. What do you mean?
8. You said there will be changes. What do you mean by that?
9. You mentioned new regulations. What do you mean?
10. You indicated there were some concerns. How do you mean that?

Answer Key: 1. Sie haben gesagt, das Projekt ist verzögert. Was meinen Sie? 2. Sie haben gesagt, die Ergebnisse sind nicht schlüssig. Wie meinen Sie das? 3. Sie haben gesagt, wir brauchen mehr Ressourcen. Was meinen Sie damit? 4. Sie haben gesagt, die Situation ist kritisch. Wie meinen Sie das? 5. Sie haben gesagt, die Frist nähert sich. Was meinen Sie? 6. Sie haben die Budgetkürzungen erwähnt. Was meinen Sie? 7. Sie sagten, die Strategie muss überarbeitet werden. Was meinen Sie? 8. Sie haben gesagt, es wird Änderungen geben. Was meinen Sie damit? 9. Sie haben neue Vorschriften erwähnt. Was meinen Sie? 10. Sie haben angedeutet, dass es einige Bedenken gab. Wie meinen Sie das?

Exercise 3: Meaning-Focused (Was bedeutet das?)

Question	Your Answer
1. What does ‘irony’ mean?
2. What does ‘democracy’ mean?
3. What does ‘metaphor’ mean?
4. What does ‘algorithm’ mean?
5. What does ‘paradox’ mean?
6. What does “entrepreneurship” mean?
7. What does “innovation” mean?
8. What does “sustainability” mean?
9. What does “globalization” mean?
10. What does “artificial intelligence” mean?

Answer Key: 1. Was bedeutet ‘Ironie’? 2. Was bedeutet ‘Demokratie’? 3. Was bedeutet ‘Metapher’? 4. Was bedeutet ‘Algorithmus’? 5. Was bedeutet ‘Paradox’? 6. Was bedeutet “Entrepreneurship”? 7. Was bedeutet “Innovation”? 8. Was bedeutet “Nachhaltigkeit”? 9. Was bedeutet “Globalisierung”? 10. Was bedeutet “künstliche Intelligenz”?

Advanced Topics and Nuances

For advanced learners, understanding subtle nuances and idiomatic expressions can further enhance your communication skills.

Using “Näher”

Adding “näher” (closer) can soften the question and imply a request for more detail. For example, “Was meinen Sie näher?” (What do you mean more closely?) can be used in formal settings to gently ask for more specific information.

Indirect Questions

Sometimes, instead of directly asking “What do you mean?”, you can use an indirect question. For example, “Könnten Sie das bitte genauer erklären?” (Could you explain that in more detail, please?) is a polite way to ask for clarification without directly asking “What do you mean?”.

Responding to “What do you mean?”

Knowing how to respond when someone asks you “What do you mean?” is also important. You can rephrase your statement, provide more context, or offer examples to clarify your meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about asking “What do you mean?” in German:

1. Is there a single, perfect translation of “What do you mean?” in German?
   No, there isn’t a single perfect translation. The best phrase to use depends on the context, level of formality, and the specific nuance you want to convey.
2. When should I use the du form vs. the Sie form?
   Use the du form with friends, family, and people you know well. Use the Sie form with strangers, superiors, and in professional settings.
3. What’s the difference between meinen and bedeuten?
   Meinen means “to mean” in the sense of intention or opinion. Bedeuten means “to signify” or “to have as a meaning.”
4. Is it rude to ask “What do you mean?” in German?
   It depends on your tone of voice and the context. Asking in a neutral or inquisitive tone is generally acceptable. Avoid sounding accusatory or confrontational.
5. Can I use “Was meinst du damit?” in all situations?
   While widely understood, “Was meinst du damit?” is best suited for informal settings. In formal situations, “Was meinen Sie damit?” is more appropriate.
6. How can I politely ask for clarification in a formal setting