German Phrase
Was sind deine Hauptaufgaben?
Meaning
Literally: “What are your main tasks?” It is used to ask someone to list the most important duties they perform, usually in a professional or project context.
When to use
Use this question in a job interview, during a performance review, or when you want to clarify a colleague’s responsibilities on a team. It is informal but polite; for a very formal setting you could add "Sie" (e.g., "Was sind Ihre Hauptaufgaben?").
✦Grammar Breakdown
WassinddeineHauptaufgaben?
Was (question word)
Used to ask for information; it always appears at the beginning of a yes‑no or wh‑question.
sein – sind (3rd pl.)
The verb "sein" (to be) is conjugated as "sind" for plural subjects.
deine (possessive adjective)
Matches the gender, number and case of the noun it modifies; here it is feminine plural nominative, so "deine".
Hauptaufgaben (compound noun)
A plural noun formed from "Haupt" (main) + "Aufgaben" (tasks). In the nominative case the plural ending is -en.
🗨In Conversation
Was sind deine Hauptaufgaben im neuen Projekt?
What are your main tasks in the new project?
Ich bin für die Datenanalyse und das Reporting verantwortlich.
I am responsible for data analysis and reporting.
✕Common Mistakes
Was sind dein Hauptaufgaben?
The noun "Aufgaben" is plural, so the possessive must be the plural form "deine".
Was ist deine Hauptaufgaben?
With a plural subject you need the plural form of "sein" – "sind".
Was sind deine Hauptaufgabe?
The question asks for multiple tasks; using the singular changes the meaning.
↔Alternatives
Was gehören zu deinen Hauptaufgaben?
What belongs to your main tasks?
Was sind deine wichtigsten Aufgaben?
What are your most important tasks?
Welche Aufgaben stehen bei dir im Vordergrund?
Which tasks are at the forefront for you?
Cultural Tip
German workplaces value clarity and directness. Asking "Was sind deine Hauptaufgaben?" shows you are interested in concrete responsibilities. In formal contexts (e.g., speaking to a manager you don’t know well) switch the possessive to the formal "Ihre" and use the polite "Sie" form: "Was sind Ihre Hauptaufgaben?".