How to Say ‘What is important to you’ in German
Was ist Ihnen
vahs ist EE-nen
[vahs ist EE-nen]
💬 Usage Tip: [Ihnen] is the formal [you] form used after [ist ... wichtig]: [Was ist Ihnen wichtig?] You can swap in other people the same way: [Was ist dir wichtig?] or [Was ist ihm wichtig?].
🇩🇪 In Germany: In interviews, this is a normal open question about priorities and motivation, not a deeply personal one. A practical answer about growth, stability, team, or impact fits well.
Phrase Breakdown
Was
[vahs]
what
Question word used to ask about things or ideas.
Was essen wir heute?
What are we eating today?
ist
[ist]
is
Third-person singular form of sein; also used in questions.
Das ist mein Bruder.
That is my brother.
Ihnen
[EE-nen]
to you
Formal/plural dative form of Sie; often used for polite questions.
Ist Ihnen das wichtig?
Is that important to you?
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