was

Meaning and Usage

The word "was" means "what" in English. It is used as an interrogative pronoun to ask questions about an unknown element or matter.

Linguistic Analysis

The word "was" is a pronoun and has no prefix or suffix. Its etymology can be traced back to the Old High German "waʒ" and the Middle High German "was," both meaning "what."

Comparisons between German and English

The word "was" and its English counterpart "what" serve the same function as interrogative pronouns.

Example Sentences

1. Was machst du? (What are you doing?)
2. Was hast du gestern gegessen? (What did you eat yesterday?)

Memory Tips

Remember "was" by associating it with the English word "what," and practice using it in questions to solidify its meaning.

Additional Vocabulary

Synonyms: welches (which), was für (what kind of) Antonyms: nichts (nothing)