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German Phrase

Ist das Wasser heiß?

/ɪst das ˈvasɐ haɪ̯s/
Meaning"Is the water hot?"
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Meaning

The speaker is asking whether the water is hot. It can refer to drinking water, bath water, or any other liquid whose temperature matters. The question is neutral and can be used in both informal and formal contexts.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you want to check the temperature of water before drinking tea or coffee, before taking a shower, or when a child asks if the bath water is safe. It’s also handy in a restaurant when you’re unsure if the tap water is warm enough for a baby bottle.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IstdasWasserheiß?

1

Verb‑Subject Inversion

In yes/no questions the finite verb (ist) moves to the first position, followed by the subject (das Wasser).

2

Definite Article "das"

"Wasser" is a neuter noun, so it takes the definite article "das" in the nominative case.

3

Predicative Adjective

When an adjective follows "sein" as a predicate, it stays uninflected (heiß) because it does not modify a noun directly.

4

Question Mark

The question mark is part of the written form but does not affect word order.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ist das Wasser heiß?

Is the water hot?

Ja, es ist gerade kochend. Möchtest du es etwas abkühlen lassen?

Yes, it’s just boiling. Do you want to let it cool down a bit?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ist der Wasser heiß?

    "Wasser" is neuter, so the correct article is "das".

  • Ist das Wasser heißes?

    After "sein" the adjective stays uninflected; do not add the -es ending.

  • Sind das Wasser heiß?

    The subject is singular (das Wasser), so the verb must be singular "ist".

↔Alternatives

  • Ist das Wasser warm?

    Is the water warm?

  • Wie heiß ist das Wasser?

    How hot is the water?

  • Ist das Wasser zu heiß?

    Is the water too hot?

de

Cultural Tip

In German‑speaking households it’s common to ask about water temperature before serving tea or coffee, especially for children. When speaking to strangers or in a formal setting (e.g., a hotel), you might use the polite form: "Ist das Wasser heiß, bitte?" or add "Könnten Sie mir bitte sagen, ob das Wasser heiß ist?". Also note that Germans differentiate between "warm" (lukewarm) and "heiß" (hot enough to burn).