Distinguishing common question words

In this lesson you learn the most common German question words and how to use them correctly in everyday A1 situations. All example sentences are in German; the translations are in English.

Overview: the most important question words

Remember: in W-Fragen (questions with a question word), the question word comes first, then the verb.

Example: Wo wohnst du? – question word Wo, verb wohnst, then du.

Warum

Function: asks for a reason or cause.

Examples:

• Warum lernst du Deutsch? (Why are you learning German?)
• Warum bist du müde? (Why are you tired?)

Typical answers start with weil or denn: Weil ich in Deutschland arbeite. (Because I work in Germany.)

Wann

Function: asks for a point in time.

Examples:

• Wann beginnt der Kurs? (When does the course start?)
• Wann kommst du nach Hause? (When do you come home?)

Answers often use a clock time, a date, or words like heute, morgen, am Montag.

Wo, Woher, Wohin

Learners often mix these three.

Examples:

• Wo ist das Badezimmer? (Where is the bathroom?)
• Woher kennst du ihn? (How/From where do you know him?)
• Wohin fährt der Bus? (Where is the bus going to?)

Wie and Wie viel

Wie asks about manner, condition, or description.

Examples:

• Wie geht es dir? (How are you?)
• Wie ist dein Name? (What is your name?)
• Wie alt bist du? (How old are you?)

Wie viel asks about quantity or price.

Examples:

• Wie viel kostet der Kaffee? (How much does the coffee cost?)
• Wie viel Zeit hast du? (How much time do you have?)

Wer and Was

Wer asks for a person, usually the subject of the sentence.

Examples:

• Wer ist das? (Who is that?)
• Wer kommt heute? (Who is coming today?)

Was asks for a thing, activity, or information.

Examples:

• Was machst du beruflich? (What do you do for a living?)
• Was ist das? (What is that?)

Welcher, welche, welches

Function: asks for a specific choice from a group. Welcher / welche / welches change with the gender of the noun (Singular).

In the plural, use welche: Welche Länder kennst du? (Which countries do you know?)

summaryEn: After this lesson you can choose the correct German question word and form simple W-questions and understand them in everyday situations.