Learning how to ask “What’s new?” in German is crucial for engaging in everyday conversations and building rapport with native speakers. This seemingly simple question opens the door to a wealth of information, from personal updates to current events.
Mastering the nuances of this phrase, along with its variations, will significantly enhance your fluency and understanding of German culture. This article provides a comprehensive guide for learners of all levels, covering various ways to ask about news, common responses, and potential pitfalls to avoid.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced student, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate German conversations with ease.
This guide is structured to provide a thorough understanding of the topic, starting with basic definitions and progressing to more complex usage scenarios. Each section includes detailed explanations, practical examples, and helpful tips to ensure you grasp the concepts effectively.
By the end of this article, you’ll be able to confidently ask “What’s new?” in German and understand the responses you receive, making your interactions with German speakers more meaningful and enjoyable.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “What’s New” in German
- Structural Breakdown of Key Phrases
- Types and Categories of Questions
- Examples of Asking “What’s New”
- Formal Examples
- Informal Examples
- Specific Context Examples
- Usage Rules and Considerations
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics and Nuances
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of “What’s New” in German
The most common way to ask “What’s new?” in German is “Was gibt’s Neues?”. This phrase is widely used in informal settings and is generally understood by all German speakers. However, there are other variations that can be used depending on the context and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to.
The phrase “Was gibt’s Neues?” literally translates to “What gives new?”. In this context, “gibt’s” is a shortened form of “gibt es,” which means “there is” or “there gives.” “Neues” is the neuter singular form of “neu” (new) and functions as a noun in this sentence, meaning “something new” or “news.” Therefore, the entire phrase inquires about the existence of new information or happenings.
Other ways to inquire about what’s new include:
- “Was ist los?” (What’s up? / What’s going on?)
- “Was machst du so?” (What are you up to?)
- “Gibt es etwas Neues?” (Is there anything new?)
Each of these phrases has slightly different connotations and is appropriate in different situations. Understanding these nuances is key to mastering the art of conversation in German.
The choice of phrase can also depend on whether you are looking for specific news or simply making small talk.
Structural Breakdown of Key Phrases
Let’s break down the structure of the most common phrases used to ask “What’s new?” in German:
“Was gibt’s Neues?”
- Was: What (interrogative pronoun)
- gibt’s: Shortened form of “gibt es” (gives/there is) – “gibt” is the third-person singular form of the verb “geben” (to give), and “es” is the pronoun “it.” In colloquial speech, “es” is often shortened to “‘s” and attached to the verb.
- Neues: New (neuter singular noun, derived from the adjective “neu”) – It’s important to note that “Neues” is capitalized because it’s being used as a noun.
This phrase follows a relatively simple structure: interrogative pronoun + verb + noun. The verb “geben” (to give) is used in an idiomatic way to inquire about the existence of new information.
“Was ist los?”
- Was: What (interrogative pronoun)
- ist: Is (third-person singular form of the verb “sein” – to be)
- los: Going on (adjective used as an adverb)
This phrase also follows a straightforward structure: interrogative pronoun + verb + adverbial adjective. “Los” describes the state or condition of something, and “ist los” together means “is going on.”
“Was machst du so?”
- Was: What (interrogative pronoun)
- machst: Are doing (second-person singular form of the verb “machen” – to do)
- du: You (informal singular pronoun)
- so: So (adverb)
This phrase has a slightly different structure, as it directly asks what the person is doing. The inclusion of “so” adds a sense of casualness and openness to the question.
The structure is: interrogative pronoun + verb + pronoun + adverb.
Types and Categories of Questions
There are several ways to categorize the different ways of asking “What’s new?” in German, based on formality, specificity, and context.
Formality
- Formal: These phrases are suitable for professional settings, interactions with strangers, or when speaking to someone you don’t know well. Examples include using the formal “Sie” (you) instead of the informal “du.”
- Informal: These phrases are appropriate for friends, family, and people you know well. They often include colloquial expressions and contractions.
Specificity
- General: These questions are open-ended and invite the person to share any news they might have. “Was gibt’s Neues?” and “Was ist los?” fall into this category.
- Specific: These questions inquire about specific topics or events. For example, “Hast du schon von dem neuen Film gehört?” (Have you heard about the new movie?).
Context
- Personal: These questions focus on the person’s life, activities, and experiences. “Was machst du so?” is a good example.
- General Interest: These questions are about broader topics, such as current events or shared interests. “Gibt es etwas Neues in der Firma?” (Is there anything new at the company?) is an example.
Understanding these categories can help you choose the most appropriate phrase for any given situation. By considering your relationship with the person you’re speaking to and the context of the conversation, you can ensure that your question is well-received and leads to a meaningful exchange.
Examples of Asking “What’s New”
Let’s explore some examples of how to ask “What’s new?” in German, categorized by formality, informality, and specific contexts.
Formal Examples
In formal settings, it’s important to use respectful language and avoid colloquialisms. Here are some examples of how to ask “What’s new?” in a formal way.
The following table presents 25 examples of formal ways to ask “What’s new?” in German, including translations and notes on usage.
| German Phrase | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Was gibt es Neues bei Ihnen? | What’s new with you? | A polite and general inquiry. |
| Gibt es etwas Neues, das Sie mir erzählen möchten? | Is there anything new you’d like to tell me? | Very formal and polite. |
| Haben Sie Neuigkeiten? | Do you have any news? | Direct and formal. |
| Was beschäftigt Sie im Moment? | What is occupying you at the moment? | More formal, inquiring about current activities. |
| Gibt es Neuigkeiten von der Arbeit? | Is there any news from work? | Specific to work-related news. |
| Was tut sich in Ihrem Bereich? | What’s happening in your department? | Specific to a professional context. |
| Haben Sie neue Projekte begonnen? | Have you started any new projects? | Inquiring about new undertakings. |
| Gibt es interessante Entwicklungen? | Are there any interesting developments? | Asking about progress or changes. |
| Was gibt es Neues in Ihrem Leben? | What’s new in your life? (formal) | More personal, but still formal. |
| Haben Sie interessante Nachrichten? | Do you have any interesting news? | Direct and polite. |
| Gibt es neue Informationen? | Is there any new information? | General and formal. |
| Was ist in letzter Zeit passiert? | What has happened lately? (formal) | Inquiring about recent events. |
| Haben Sie etwas Neues erfahren? | Have you learned anything new? (formal) | Asking about new knowledge. |
| Was gibt es Neues von der Konferenz? | What’s new from the conference? | Specific to a conference. |
| Gibt es Neuigkeiten bezüglich des Projekts? | Is there any news regarding the project? | Specific to a project. |
| Was gibt es Neues von Ihren Reisen? | What’s new from your travels? | If you know they travel often. |
| Haben Sie neue Kunden gewonnen? | Have you gained any new clients? | In a business context. |
| Gibt es neue Vorschriften? | Are there any new regulations? | Relevant in professional settings. |
| Was gibt es Neues in der Forschung? | What’s new in research? | If they are involved in research. |
| Haben Sie neue Erkenntnisse gewonnen? | Have you gained any new insights? | Inquiring about new knowledge. |
| Was gibt es Neues in der Wirtschaft? | What’s new in the economy? | If discussing economic matters. |
| Gibt es neue Gesetze? | Are there any new laws? | Relevant in legal or political discussions. |
| Was gibt es Neues von der Universität? | What’s new from the university? | If they are affiliated with a university. |
| Haben Sie neue Studenten? | Do you have new students? | If they are a teacher or professor. |
| Gibt es neue Entwicklungen im Unternehmen? | Are there any new developments in the company? | General inquiry about the company. |
Informal Examples
In informal settings, you can use more relaxed language and colloquial expressions. Here are some examples of how to ask “What’s new?” with friends and family.
The following table presents 25 examples of informal ways to ask “What’s new?” in German, including translations and notes on usage.
| German Phrase | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Was geht ab? | What’s up? | Very informal and common among young people. |
| Was machst du so? | What are you up to? | General and friendly. |
| Was gibt’s? | What’s up? / What’s new? | Short and casual. |
| Na, was geht? | Hey, what’s going on? | Friendly greeting with an inquiry. |
| Was ist los bei dir? | What’s going on with you? | More personal and caring. |
| Irgendwas Neues? | Anything new? | Short and sweet. |
| Was hast du so getrieben? | What have you been up to? | Inquiring about recent activities. |
| Gibt’s was zu erzählen? | Got anything to tell? | Informal and inviting. |
| Was hast du heute gemacht? | What did you do today? | Specific to the current day. |
| Was hast du die letzte Zeit so gemacht? | What have you been doing lately? | Inquiring about recent activities over a period of time. |
| Alles klar bei dir? | Everything alright with you? | Checking in on their well-being. |
| Wie läuft’s? | How’s it going? | General and casual. |
| Was steht an? | What’s on the agenda? / What’s planned? | Asking about upcoming plans. |
| Was ist denn jetzt wieder los? | What’s going on now? | Implies something might be happening. |
| Hast du was erlebt? | Have you experienced anything? | Inquiring about recent experiences. |
| Was Neues von der Arbeit? | Anything new from work? | Specifically asking about work. |
| Wie war dein Tag? | How was your day? | Asking about their day. |
| Was hast du am Wochenende gemacht? | What did you do on the weekend? | Asking about weekend activities. |
| Gibt’s Neuigkeiten? | Any news? | Short and informal. |
| Was treibst du so? | What are you up to? | Similar to “Was machst du so?” |
| Was geht denn so bei dir? | What’s going on with you? | More emphatic and friendly. |
| Schon was vor heute? | Anything planned for today? | Asking about today’s plans. |
| Lass mal hören, was gibt’s Neues! | Let me hear, what’s new! | Encouraging them to share news. |
| Was gibt’s bei dir so Neues? | What’s new with you? | Casual and friendly. |
| Hast du irgendwelche spannenden Geschichten? | Do you have any exciting stories? | Inquiring about interesting experiences. |
Specific Context Examples
Sometimes, you might want to ask about news related to a specific topic or event. Here are some examples of how to do that.
The following table provides 25 examples of asking “What’s new?” in specific contexts in German, including translations and notes on usage.
| German Phrase | English Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Gibt es Neuigkeiten bezüglich des Projekts? | Is there any news regarding the project? | Work project |
| Was gibt es Neues von der Baustelle? | What’s new from the construction site? | Construction site |
| Hast du schon etwas von Anna gehört? | Have you heard anything from Anna? | Inquiring about a specific person |
| Wie läuft es mit deinem neuen Job? | How’s it going with your new job? | New job |
| Gibt es Neuigkeiten von der Universität? | Is there any news from the university? | University |
| Was gibt es Neues im Sport? | What’s new in sports? | Sports |
| Wie geht es deiner Familie? | How is your family doing? | Family |
| Gibt es Fortschritte bei deinem Hausbau? | Is there any progress with your house construction? | House construction |
| Was gibt es Neues in der Politik? | What’s new in politics? | Politics |
| Hast du schon von dem neuen Gesetz gehört? | Have you heard about the new law? | New law |
| Wie läuft es mit der Wohnungssuche? | How’s the apartment search going? | Apartment search |
| Gibt es Neuigkeiten von der Konferenz? | Is there any news from the conference? | Conference |
| Was gibt es Neues von der Reiseplanung? | What’s new with the travel planning? | Travel planning |
| Hast du schon Ergebnisse von der Prüfung bekommen? | Have you received the results from the exam yet? | Exam results |
| Wie geht es deinem Haustier? | How is your pet doing? | Pet |
| Gibt es neue Entwicklungen in der Firma? | Are there any new developments in the company? | Company |
| Was gibt es Neues in der Forschung? | What’s new in research? | Research |
| Hast du schon etwas von den Nachbarn gehört? | Have you heard anything from the neighbors? | Neighbors |
| Wie läuft es mit dem Studium? | How’s the studies going? | Studies |
| Gibt es Neuigkeiten von dem Konzert? | Is there any news from the concert? | Concert |
| Was gibt es Neues von dem Fußballspiel? | What’s new from the soccer game? | Soccer game |
| Hast du schon etwas von dem neuen Restaurant gehört? | Have you heard anything about the new restaurant? | New restaurant |
| Wie läuft es mit der Renovierung? | How’s the renovation going? | Renovation |
| Gibt es Neuigkeiten von dem Treffen? | Is there any news from the meeting? | Meeting |
| Was gibt es Neues von dem Ausflug? | What’s new from the excursion? | Excursion |
Usage Rules and Considerations
When asking “What’s new?” in German, there are several usage rules and considerations to keep in mind.
- Formality: Always consider your relationship with the person you’re speaking to and the context of the conversation. Use formal phrases in professional settings and informal phrases with friends and family.
- Verb Conjugation: Pay attention to verb conjugation. For example, use “machst du” (are you doing) with the informal “du” and “machen Sie” (are you doing) with the formal “Sie.”
- Case Endings: Be mindful of case endings, especially when using nouns. For example, “Neues” is the neuter singular form of “neu” and is capitalized because it functions as a noun.
- Word Order: German word order can be different from English. In questions, the verb usually comes before the subject. For example, “Gibt es etwas Neues?” (Is there anything new?) instead of “Es gibt etwas Neues?” (There is something new?).
- Contractions: In informal speech, contractions are common. “Gibt es” can be shortened to “gibt’s.”
By following these rules and considerations, you can ensure that you’re asking “What’s new?” in German correctly and appropriately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes that learners make when asking “What’s new?” in German, along with corrections.
The following table presents common mistakes made when asking “What’s new?” in German, along with the correct versions and explanations.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Was ist neu? | Was gibt’s Neues? | “Was ist neu?” is grammatically correct but doesn’t convey the same idiomatic meaning as “Was gibt’s Neues?” |
| Was machen Sie so? (to a friend) | Was machst du so? | Using the formal “Sie” with a friend is inappropriate. |
| Gibt es etwas neu? | Gibt es etwas Neues? | “Neu” is an adjective, while “Neues” is a noun. In this context, you need the noun form. |
| Was geht? (to your boss) | Was gibt es Neues bei Ihnen? | “Was geht?” is too informal for a professional setting. |
| Wie geht es? | Was gibt’s Neues? / Was ist los? | “Wie geht es?” means “How are you?” and is a different question. |
| Was du machst? | Was machst du? | The word order is incorrect. In questions, the verb usually comes before the subject. |
| Neues gibt es? | Gibt es Neues? | Incorrect word order. |
| Was ist los mit dich? | Was ist los mit dir? | Incorrect prepositional pronoun. It should be “mit dir” not “mit dich”. |
| Ich frage was geht. | Ich frage, was geht. | The sentence structure is awkward. It’s better to say “Ich frage, was geht.” |
| Du machst was? | Was machst du? | Incorrect word order for a question. |
By being aware of these common mistakes, you can avoid them and improve your accuracy when asking “What’s new?” in German.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Translate the following English phrases into German. Use both formal and informal versions where appropriate.
The following table presents 10 translation exercises from English to German, testing your ability to ask “What’s new?” in various contexts.
| English Phrase | German Translation (Informal) | German Translation (Formal) |
|---|---|---|
| What’s new? | Was gibt’s? | Was gibt es Neues bei Ihnen? |
| What are you up to? | Was machst du so? | Was machen Sie so? |
| What’s going on? | Was geht ab? | Was ist los bei Ihnen? |
| Anything new? | Irgendwas Neues? | Gibt es etwas Neues? |
| What have you been doing lately? | Was hast du die letzte Zeit so gemacht? | Was haben Sie in letzter Zeit so gemacht? |
| How’s it going? | Wie läuft’s? | Wie läuft es bei Ihnen? |
| What’s on the agenda? | Was steht an? | Was steht bei Ihnen an? |
| Have you experienced anything? | Hast du was erlebt? | Haben Sie etwas erlebt? |
| Any news from work? | Was Neues von der Arbeit? | Gibt es Neuigkeiten von der Arbeit? |
| How was your day? | Wie war dein Tag? | Wie war Ihr Tag? |
Exercise 2: Choose the most appropriate German phrase for each situation.
The following table presents 10 multiple-choice questions, testing your ability to select the appropriate German phrase for asking “What’s new?” in various situations.
| Situation | Possible Answers | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Meeting a friend at a cafe | a) Was gibt es Neues bei Ihnen? b) Was geht ab? c) Wie geht es? | b) Was geht ab? |
| Talking to your boss | a) Was machst du so? b) Was gibt’s? c) Was gibt es Neues bei Ihnen? | c) Was gibt es Neues bei Ihnen? |
| Seeing a family member after a long time | a) Irgendwas Neues? b) Was ist los? c) Wie läuft es? | b) Was ist los? |
| Starting a casual conversation with a stranger | a) Was steht an? b) Was machen Sie so? c) Was hast du so getrieben? | b) Was machen Sie so? |
| Asking a colleague about a project | a) Was gibt’s? b) Gibt es Neuigkeiten bezüglich des Projekts? c) Wie war dein Tag? | b) Gibt es Neuigkeiten bezüglich des Projekts? |
| Greeting a close friend | a) Wie geht es Ihnen? b) Na, was geht? c) Was gibt es Neues bei Ihnen? | b) Na, was geht? |
| Asking about someone’s weekend | a) Was machst du so? b) Was hast du am Wochenende gemacht? c) Was gibt es Neues? | b) Was hast du am Wochenende gemacht? |
| Inquiring about news from the university (to a professor) | a) Was geht ab? b) Gibt es Neuigkeiten von der Universität? c) Wie läuft’s? | b) Gibt es Neuigkeiten von der Universität? |
| Asking if there’s anything to tell | a) Was steht an? b) Gibt’s was zu erzählen? c) Wie geht es? | b) Gibt’s was zu erzählen? |
| Asking about someone’s recent experiences. | a) Hast du was erlebt? b) Was machst du so? c) Was gibt es Neues bei Ihnen? | a) Hast du was erlebt? |
Exercise 3: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate German phrase.
The following table presents 10 fill-in-the-blank exercises, testing your ability to complete the German phrase for asking “What’s new?” in various contexts.
| Sentence | Correct Answer |
|---|---|
| Hallo, Maria, ______? | Was geht ab? |
| Herr Schmidt, ______ bei Ihnen? | Was gibt es Neues |
| ______, irgendwas Interessantes passiert? | Sag mal |
| ______, was treibst du so? | Na, |
| ______, gibt es Neuigkeiten von der Firma? | Sagen Sie mal |
| ______ mit deinem neuen Projekt? | Wie läuft es |
| ______, was am Wochenende geplant? | Hey, |
| ______, etwas Neues von der Reise? | Gibt es |
| ______, hast du etwas erlebt? | Erzähl mal, |
| ______, wie war dein Tag heute? | Und, |
Advanced Topics and Nuances
For advanced learners, there are some more complex aspects of asking “What’s new?” in German to consider.
- Regional Variations: The specific phrases used to ask “What’s new?” can vary depending on the region of Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. Be aware of these regional differences and adapt your language accordingly.
- Subtle Connotations: Different phrases can have subtle connotations that affect their appropriateness in certain situations. Pay attention to these nuances and choose your words carefully.
- Humor and Sarcasm: In some cases, asking “What’s new?” can be used humorously or sarcastically. Be aware of the tone of the conversation and adjust your response accordingly.
Mastering these advanced topics will further enhance your fluency and understanding of German conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about asking “What’s new?” in German.
- What is the most common way to ask “What’s new?” in German?
The most common way is “Was gibt’s Neues?”. It’s widely understood and appropriate in most informal settings.
- How do I ask “What’s new?” in a formal setting?
Use phrases like “Was gibt es Neues bei Ihnen?” or “Gibt es etwas Neues, das Sie mir erzählen möchten?”. These are more polite and respectful.
- What’s the difference between “Was ist los?” and “Was gibt’s Neues?”
“Was ist los?” translates to “What’s up?” or “What’s going on?” and can imply that something might be wrong. “Was gibt’s Neues?” simply asks about new information.
- Is it okay to use contractions like “gibt’s” in all situations?
No, contractions are generally used in informal settings. Avoid them in formal situations.
- How do I respond when someone asks me “Was gibt’s Neues?”
You can respond with “Nicht viel” (not much), “Alles beim Alten” (same as always), or share any news you have.
- Can I use “Wie geht es?” to ask what’s new?
While “Wie geht es?” means “How are you?”, it’s often used as a general greeting. However, it doesn’t directly translate to “What’s new?”. If you want to know what’s new, it’s better to use “Was gibt’s Neues?” or a similar phrase.
- Are there regional variations in how people ask “What’s new?” in German-speaking countries?
Yes, there are. For example, in some regions, you might hear phrases that are more common locally. It’s always a good idea to listen to native speakers and observe how they communicate.
- How can I practice asking “What’s new?” in German?
Try using these phrases in conversations with native speakers, language partners, or even in self-practice. You can also watch German TV shows or movies to see how these phrases are used in context.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of asking “What’s new?” in German is an essential step towards achieving fluency and building meaningful connections with native speakers. This comprehensive guide has provided you with the knowledge and tools to confidently navigate various conversational scenarios, from formal interactions to casual chats with friends.
Remember to consider the context, formality, and nuances of each phrase to ensure your communication is both accurate and appropriate. By continually practicing and refining your understanding of these phrases, you’ll not only enhance your language skills but also deepen your appreciation for the richness and diversity of the German language and culture.
Whether you’re engaging in small talk, catching up with friends, or networking in professional settings, knowing how to ask “What’s new?” in German will undoubtedly enrich your interactions and open doors to new opportunities. Keep exploring, keep practicing, and enjoy the journey of mastering German!