German · Greetings & Essentials
"What does this mean?" in German: Was bedeutet das?
Was bedeutet das?
What does this mean? in German is Was bedeutet das?. Point at a word or sign and ask it directly. Softer: Was heißt das?.
Reading a sign
Was bedeutet das auf dem Schild?Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce Was bedeutet das?
Say it
vas buh-DOY-tet das
/vas bəˈdɔʏ̯tət das/
vas buh-DOY-tet das. Soft ch absent; ö-like eu in deutet as oy.
"What does this mean?" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Was bedeutet das? | What does this mean? Core phrase. | Core phrase. |
| Was heißt das? | What does that mean? Very common twin. | Very common twin. |
| Was bedeutet dieses Wort? | What does this word mean? More specific. | More specific. |
| Bedeutet das…? | Does that mean…? Checking interpretation. | Checking interpretation. |
How to use Was bedeutet das? in real life
- 1Reading a sign
Was bedeutet das auf dem Schild?
What does this mean on the sign?
Whole phrase.
- 2Class
Lehrerin, was bedeutet das Wort hier?
Teacher, what does this word mean here?
Was bedeutet das.
- 3Chat
Kurz: was bedeutet das Emoji?
Quick: what does this emoji mean?
Phrase + object.
Mistakes English speakers make with Was bedeutet das?
Incorrect: Was bedeutet?
Correct: Was bedeutet das?
Keep das (or another object) — the set phrase needs it.
Incorrect: Was bedeutet dieses? (awkward alone)
Correct: Was bedeutet das?
Das is the default everyday object.
Good to know
Was bedeutet das? is a normal learner move. People usually answer with a simple synonym or example sentence rather than a dictionary lecture.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Decoding a form together
ChatPal
Alles klar auf dem Formular?
Everything clear on the form?
You
Nein. Was bedeutet das in Zeile drei?
No. What does this mean in line three?
ChatPal
Das heißt "optional". Noch Fragen?
That means "optional". More questions?
You
Eine: was bedeutet das Stempel-Feld?
One: what does this stamp field mean?
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FAQ
Common questions about "What does this mean?" in German
How do you say what does this mean?
Was bedeutet das?
Alternative?
Was heißt das?
This word?
Was bedeutet dieses Wort?
Does that mean…?
Bedeutet das…?
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
