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📝Basic Questions and Answers
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Basic Questions and Answers

Introduction​

In this lesson, you'll learn how to ask and answer common questions in German. This is a crucial skill for everyday conversations!

Essential Question Words​

Basic Question Words​

GermanEnglishExample
Was?What?Was ist das?
Wer?Who?Wer ist das?
Wo?Where?Wo wohnst du?
Wann?When?Wann kommst du?
Wie?How?Wie geht es dir?
Warum?Why?Warum lernst du Deutsch?
Was
•
[vas]
Grammar Tip

In German, question words are always placed at the beginning of the sentence, followed by the verb.

Common Questions and Answers​

Personal Information​

Q: Wie heißt du?
A: Ich heiße Anna.

Well-being​

Q: Wie geht es dir?
A: Mir geht es gut, danke! Und dir?

Q: Wie geht es Ihnen?
A: Danke, sehr gut!

Wie geht es dir
•
[viː ɡeːt ɛs diːɐ̯]

Grammar Notes​

Question Structure
  1. Question word (Was, Wer, Wo, etc.)
  2. Verb
  3. Subject (if not the question word)
  4. Rest of the sentence
Formal vs Informal
  • Use "du" for informal situations (friends, family)
  • Use "Sie" for formal situations (business, strangers)

Cultural Notes​

Cultural Insight

In German-speaking countries:

  • It's common to ask "Wie geht es dir?" as a greeting
  • People often share their profession when introducing themselves
  • Age is not considered a sensitive topic

Interactive Practice​

1. Question Formation Quiz​

Which question word means 'What'?

Which question word means 'Where'?

Which question word means 'Who'?

2. Practice Dialog​

🗣️ Person A: Hallo! Wie geht es dir?
👥 Person B: Mir geht es gut, danke! Und dir?
🗣️ Person A: Auch gut! Wie heißt du?
👥 Person B: Ich heiße Thomas. Und du?
🗣️ Person A: Ich bin Anna. Woher kommst du?
👥 Person B: Ich komme aus Berlin. Und du?
🗣️ Person A: Ich komme aus München.

Practice Exercises​

1. Speaking Practice​

  • Record yourself asking and answering these questions
  • Practice with a partner
  • Try both formal and informal versions

2. Writing Practice​

Write three questions and answers about:

  • Personal information
  • Well-being
  • Origin

3. Listening Practice​

  • Listen to the audio samples
  • Try to identify the question words
  • Practice the pronunciation

Vocabulary List​

GermanEnglishExample
Wie heißt du?What's your name?Wie heißt du? Ich heiße Anna.
Wie alt bist du?How old are you?Ich bin 25 Jahre alt.
Woher kommst du?Where are you from?Ich komme aus Deutschland.
Wie geht es dir?How are you?Mir geht es gut, danke!
Was machst du?What do you do?Ich bin Student.

Next Steps​

  • Practice these questions in daily conversations
  • Try creating your own questions using the question words
  • Move on to Numbers and Counting when you're ready
  • Complete the homework exercises
Homework
  1. Create a dialog using at least three different questions
  2. Practice the formal and informal versions
  3. Record yourself asking and answering questions
  4. Complete the online exercises