German Phrase
Was ist funktionelles Training?
Meaning
The sentence literally asks, “What is functional training?” It is used to request a definition or explanation of the fitness concept that focuses on movements that improve everyday performance.
When to use
Use this question when you’re talking with a personal trainer, a fitness‑enthusiast, or reading a sports article and you want a clear definition of the term. It works both in casual conversation and in more formal settings like a gym class or a health‑science lecture.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WasistfunktionellesTraining?
Was (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask for information; it does not change with case.
ist (sein, 3rd person singular)
Present tense of the verb 'to be', linking the subject with the predicate.
funktionelles (adjective, weak ending)
Adjective 'funktionell' takes the weak ending -es because it follows the definite article (implied 'das') and modifies a neuter noun.
Training (neuter noun)
A borrowed English word used in German fitness vocabulary; its gender is neuter (das Training).
? (question mark)
Marks the sentence as a yes‑no or information question.
🗨In Conversation
Was ist funktionelles Training?
What is functional training?
Funktionelles Training ist ein Trainingsansatz, bei dem die Übungen so gestaltet sind, dass sie Bewegungen des Alltags nachahmen – zum Beispiel das Heben, Drehen oder Balancieren.
Functional training is an approach where the exercises are designed to mimic everyday movements – for example lifting, twisting, or balancing.
✕Common Mistakes
Was ist funktionell Training?
The adjective must agree with the neuter noun and take the weak ending -es.
Was ist das funktionelles Training?
The article 'das' already provides the definite article; adding another 'das' is redundant.
Was ist funktionelles Trainings?
The noun 'Training' stays singular; adding an -s would be a genitive form that doesn’t fit here.
↔Alternatives
Was bedeutet funktionelles Training?
What does functional training mean?
Wie nennt man funktionelles Training?
What is functional training called?
Was versteht man unter funktionellem Training?
What is understood by functional training?
Cultural Tip
In German fitness circles the term 'funktionelles Training' became popular in the early 2010s, especially with the rise of CrossFit and HIIT classes. While the concept is the same as in English, German speakers often emphasize the practical, everyday‑life benefit rather than just the athletic performance aspect. When speaking to a trainer, you can also mention specific goals (e.g., Rücken stärken) to get a more tailored explanation.