German Phrase
Wie lautet dein Gegenangebot?
Meaning
This phrase is used to directly ask someone for their alternative proposal or revised offer during a negotiation. It implies that the initial offer was not acceptable and you are inviting them to present a new one. It's a standard and polite way to continue a negotiation.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase in business negotiations, when discussing prices, terms, or conditions. It's appropriate after someone has made an offer that you are not willing to accept, and you want them to propose something different. It can also be used in less formal contexts, like bargaining for an item.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WielautetdeinGegenangebot
Wie lautet...
'Wie lautet...' is an idiomatic expression meaning 'How is... formulated?' or 'What is... called/stated?'. It's commonly used when asking for names, addresses, or proposals, and is more formal and specific than 'Was ist...'.
lautet (lauten)
'Lauten' is a verb meaning 'to sound', 'to read', or 'to be worded'. In this context, 'lautet' (the 3rd person singular form) means 'is worded' or 'is stated', referring to the form of the offer.
dein (Possessive Pronoun)
'Dein' is the informal possessive pronoun for 'your' (singular). It agrees in gender and case with the noun it modifies. Here, 'Gegenangebot' is neuter, so 'dein' is used in the nominative case.
Gegenangebot (das)
'Gegenangebot' is a compound noun formed from 'Gegen-' (counter-) and 'Angebot' (offer). It is a neuter noun, meaning 'the counter-offer'. Like all German nouns, it is capitalized.
🗨In Conversation
Wir können Ihnen das Produkt für 500 Euro anbieten.
We can offer you the product for 500 Euros.
Das ist etwas zu hoch für uns. Wie lautet dein Gegenangebot?
That's a bit too high for us. What's your counter-offer?
✕Common Mistakes
Was ist dein Gegenangebot?
While 'Was ist' means 'What is', 'Wie lautet' (literally 'How reads/is formulated') is the more idiomatic and formal way to ask for a proposal or statement in German, especially in business contexts.
Wie lautet dein Gegenangebot?
Using 'dein' (your, informal) might be too casual in some business settings. For formal situations, 'Ihr' (your, formal) should be used: 'Wie lautet Ihr Gegenangebot?'
↔Alternatives
Was schlagen Sie vor?
What do you suggest?
Haben Sie einen anderen Vorschlag?
Do you have another suggestion?
Können Sie uns ein besseres Angebot machen?
Can you make us a better offer?
Cultural Tip
In German business culture, directness is often valued. Asking 'Wie lautet dein Gegenangebot?' is considered clear and to the point, rather than aggressive. However, always consider the level of formality; 'Ihr' (formal 'your') should be used with people you don't know well or in formal business settings, while 'dein' (informal 'your') is reserved for friends or close colleagues. Negotiations can be quite structured, and this phrase fits well into that framework.