How to Say ‘What does that mean?’ in German
Was bedeutet das?
vahs buh-DOY-tet dahs
[vahs buh-DOY-tet dahs]
🇩🇪 In Germany: This is a useful follow-up when a doctor uses technical words or gives a vague summary. Asking for clarification is normal and expected in Germany, not rude.
Phrase Breakdown
Was
[vahs]
what
Question word introducing a request for explanation.
Was bedeutet das für meine Gesundheit?
What does that mean for my health?
bedeutet
[buh-DOY-tet]
means
Verb used to ask about the meaning of something.
Was bedeutet das Wort bedeutet hier?
What does the word 'means' mean here?
das
[dahs]
that
Refers to a specific thing, result, or statement being discussed.
Können Sie erklären, was das zeigt?
Can you explain what that shows?
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