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German Phrase

Noch was?

/nɔx vas/
Meaning"Anything else?"
💡

Meaning

This is a very common, informal German phrase used to ask if there's anything further needed or desired. It's a shortened and more casual form of "Noch etwas?" and implies a continuation or an additional item/request. It's a quick and direct way to inquire about further needs.

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When to use

You'd typically use this in casual settings like a shop, a restaurant, or among friends. For example, a cashier might ask this after scanning your items, or a friend might ask after you've made a request or are finishing up a task together. It's suitable for everyday, informal interactions.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Nochwas?

1

Noch

In this context, 'noch' means 'still', 'yet', or 'else', indicating something additional or a continuation. It signals that the speaker is asking about further items or needs.

2

was

'was' is an informal short form of 'etwas' (something/anything). In questions like 'Noch was?', 'was' is very common and natural in spoken German, making the phrase sound more casual and native.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ich hätte gerne einen Kaffee.

I'd like a coffee.

Gerne. Noch was?

Certainly. Anything else?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Was noch?

    While 'was noch' means 'what else?', it's not used in the same way as 'Noch was?' to offer additional service or items. It implies a different kind of inquiry.

  • Noch etwas?

    While grammatically correct, 'etwas' is more formal. In casual spoken German, 'was' is almost always preferred in this specific phrase.

↔Alternatives

  • Sonst noch etwas?

    Anything else?

  • Brauchen Sie noch etwas?

    Do you need anything else?

  • Haben Sie noch einen Wunsch?

    Do you have another wish?

de

Cultural Tip

"Noch was?" is quite direct and informal. While perfectly acceptable in many everyday situations, especially with people you know or in service interactions, in very formal settings or when addressing someone of high status, a more polite and complete phrase like "Sonst noch etwas?" or "Kann ich Ihnen sonst noch behilflich sein?" would be preferred. Its brevity makes it very common in quick, transactional exchanges.