German Phrase
Was hilft dir, dich besser zu fühlen?
Meaning
Literally: “What helps you to feel better?” It is a caring, open‑ended question that invites the listener to name the actions, habits or things that improve their mood or physical state.
When to use
Use this sentence when you notice someone looks down, after a stressful event, or simply when you want to offer support and practical advice. It works well in informal conversations with friends, family, or classmates.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Washilftdir,dichbesserzufühlen?
Interrogative "Was"
"Was" introduces a yes‑no or wh‑question and stays in the nominative position.
Verb "hilft" (3rd person singular)
"hilft" is the present‑tense form of "helfen" and always takes a dative object.
Dative pronoun "dir"
"dir" is the dative form of "du" and answers the question "wem?" (to whom).
Reflexive accusative "dich"
In a reflexive construction the person who benefits is in the accusative; here it refers back to the subject of the infinitive clause.
Infinitive clause with "zu"
"besser zu fühlen" is an infinitive phrase introduced by "zu"; it functions as the object of "hilft".
🗨In Conversation
Hey, du siehst heute etwas müde aus. Was hilft dir, dich besser zu fühlen?
Hey, you look a bit tired today. What helps you feel better?
Ein kurzer Spaziergang und ein bisschen Musik tun mir immer gut.
A short walk and some music always do me good.
✕Common Mistakes
Was hilft du, dich besser zu fühlen?
The verb "helfen" requires a dative object, so you need "dir" not "du".
Was hilft dir, mich besser zu fühlen?
The reflexive pronoun must match the subject of the infinitive clause; here it is "dich" because the question is about the listener.
Was hilft dir, dich besser fühlen?
Dropping "zu" changes the structure; you would need a different construction like "Was hilft dir, dich besser fühlst?" which is ungrammatical.
↔Alternatives
Was kannst du tun, um dich besser zu fühlen?
What can you do to feel better?
Was macht dir gut, wenn du dich schlecht fühlst?
What does good for you when you feel bad?
Gibt es etwas, das dir hilft, dich besser zu fühlen?
Is there something that helps you feel better?
Cultural Tip
German separates the dative "dir" (to you) from the reflexive accusative "dich" (yourself). Learners often mix the two up. In casual speech the comma after "dir" is optional, but writing it clarifies the pause before the reflexive clause. Also, using "besser zu fühlen" sounds slightly more formal; in everyday talk you might hear "besser fühlen" without the infinitive "zu".