German Phrase
Was ist los?
Meaning
This phrase is a versatile German expression used to ask about a current situation or someone's well-being. It can range from a casual greeting to a genuine inquiry when something seems wrong. Depending on the tone, it translates to 'What's up?', 'What's the matter?', or 'What's happening?'.
When to use
Use it when you see a crowd and want to know what's happening, or when a friend looks upset and you want to ask what's wrong. It is also common in casual settings as a way to say 'What's going on?'.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Wasistlos
Was (What)
The interrogative pronoun used to start questions about things or situations.
ist (is)
The third-person singular form of the verb 'sein' (to be).
los (going on)
An adverb that, when paired with 'sein', indicates that something is happening or occurring.
🗨In Conversation
Was ist los? Du siehst traurig aus.
What's the matter? You look sad.
Ich habe meinen Schlüssel verloren.
I lost my keys.
✕Common Mistakes
Was ist auf?
Avoid translating 'What's up' literally; 'los' is the correct particle used to describe something happening.
Was los ist?
In a direct question, the verb 'ist' must come in the second position, not at the end.
↔Alternatives
Was passiert hier?
What is happening here?
Wie geht's?
How is it going?
Was gibt's Neues?
What's new?
Cultural Tip
In Germany, 'Was ist los?' is often more direct than the English 'What's up?'. If someone looks troubled, asking this shows genuine concern. In some regions, like Northern Germany, you might hear the even shorter 'Was los?' used as a very informal greeting.