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How to Say ‘What should I do?’ in German

Was soll ich machen?

vahs zoll ikh MAKH-en

[vahs zoll ikh MAKH-en]

💬 Usage Tip: With [sollen], German often asks for guidance rather than ability or future action. [Was soll ich machen?] is the natural way to ask "What should I do?" in a medical situation.

Phrase Breakdown

Was

[vahs]

what

Question word used to ask for information or instructions.

Example

Was soll ich machen?

What should I do?

soll

[zoll]

should

Modal verb 'sollen' here asking for advice or instruction.

Example

Was soll ich machen?

What should I do?

ich

[ikh]

I

First-person singular pronoun.

Example

Was soll ich machen?

What should I do?

machen

[MAKH-en]

do

Verb meaning 'to do' or 'to make'; here it means what action to take.

Example

Was soll ich machen?

What should I do?

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