Asking for Word Meanings: “Was bedeutet…?”

My name is John Doe, and I’m learning German! One of the things that’s been really helpful is learning how to ask when I don’t understand a word. It’s surprisingly common, even for people who’ve been studying for a while. The key phrase is “Was bedeutet…?”

It literally translates to “What does… mean?” But that’s exactly what you’re trying to find out.

How to Use It

You use “Was bedeutet…?” followed by the German word you want to know the meaning of.

Example Sentences:

• “Entschuldigung, was bedeutet ‘der Tisch’?” (Excuse me, what does ‘der Tisch’ mean?)
• “Ich verstehe nicht. Was bedeutet ‘die Katze’?” (I don’t understand. What does ‘die Katze’ mean?)
• “Was bedeutet ‘Bitte’?” (What does ‘Bitte’ mean?)

Practical Usage – At Work

Let’s say I’m in a meeting with Mary Carry and someone mentions “Stakeholder.” I don’t know what it means. I could politely ask: “Entschuldigung, Herr Schmidt, was bedeutet ‘Stakeholder’?” (Excuse me, Mr. Schmidt, what does ‘Stakeholder’ mean?) This is a very common word in business discussions.

Practical Usage – In a Restaurant

Imagine I’m at a restaurant in Berlin and the waiter says, “Das Gericht ist sehr pikant.” (The dish is very spicy.) I don’t know what “pikant” means. I could ask, “Entschuldigung, was bedeutet ‘pikant’?” (Excuse me, what does ‘pikant’ mean?)

Important Tips:

• Always say “Entschuldigung” (Excuse me) before asking. It’s polite.
• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Don’t be afraid to ask! Germans are generally happy to help someone learning the language.

Simple Vocabulary for Asking:

• Entschuldigung – Excuse me
• Ich verstehe nicht – I don’t understand
• Was bedeutet… – What does… mean?
• Bitte – Please

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