German Phrase
Was will das Projekt erreichen?
Meaning
The sentence asks about the intended outcomes or goals of a project. It is a neutral, professional way to inquire what the project is supposed to accomplish.
When to use
Use this question in meetings, project kick‑offs, presentations, or any discussion where you need to clarify the objectives of a project. It works well in both formal and informal business contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WaswilldasProjekterreichen?
Was (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask 'what' and stands at the beginning of a yes‑no or wh‑question.
will (modal verb wollen)
Third‑person singular present of 'wollen' meaning 'to want/aim to'; it occupies the second position in main clauses.
das Projekt (noun phrase)
Neuter noun with definite article; functions as the subject of the sentence.
erreichen (infinitive)
The main verb appears in infinitive at the end of the clause after a modal verb.
Word order
In German main clauses the finite verb is in second position; the infinitive follows the modal verb at the clause end.
🗨In Conversation
Was will das Projekt erreichen?
What does the project aim to achieve?
Es soll die Kundenzufriedenheit um 20 % steigern.
It should increase customer satisfaction by 20 %.
✕Common Mistakes
Was wollen das Projekt erreichen?
The modal verb must be conjugated (will) and the main verb stays in infinitive; do not use the infinitive 'wollen' here.
Was ist das Projekt erreichen?
The structure 'Was ist das Projekt erreichen?' is ungrammatical; you need the modal + infinitive pattern.
Was will das Projekt, das wir gerade besprechen, erreichen?
If you want to ask about a specific part, you might need a different word order, e.g., 'Was will das Projekt, das wir gerade besprechen, erreichen?'
↔Alternatives
Welches Ziel verfolgt das Projekt?
Which goal does the project pursue?
Was sind die Ziele des Projekts?
What are the project's goals?
Worin besteht das Ziel des Projekts?
What is the aim of the project?
Cultural Tip
In German business culture it is common to ask directly about project goals. If you are speaking with senior staff, use the formal 'Sie' form when addressing them, e.g., 'Was wollen Sie, dass das Projekt erreicht?' The neuter gender of 'Projekt' means you will always say 'das Projekt'.