馃嚛馃嚜 German phrases

How to Say "What does this mean?" in German

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Was bedeutet das?
"What does this mean?" in German 路 say it like vahs beh-doi-tet dahs

The most natural way to say "What does this mean?" in German is Was bedeutet das?. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Was hei脽t das?
Commonly used in casual conversations.
Was soll das bedeuten?
More formal, often used in written contexts.

When to use it

Use this phrase when you want to ask for clarification about something. It is appropriate in both casual and formal settings. You can use it in conversations, classes, or when reading something unclear.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "What does this mean?" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in German

GermanEnglish
Was bedeutet das f眉r uns?What does this mean for us?
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'bedeuten' with 'hei脽en', but they are used in different contexts.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Was bedeutet das?, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking German with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use this phrase in a formal email?

Yes, it is appropriate to use in formal emails when asking for clarification.

Learn German by speaking it

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