German Phrase
Wie bist du drauf?
Meaning
This is a popular German idiomatic expression used to ask about someone's current mood, vibe, or emotional state. While 'Wie geht es dir?' is a general 'How are you?', this phrase specifically targets the person's temperament at that exact moment.
When to use
Use this in casual settings with friends or peers when you notice someone acting particularly happy, sad, or strange. It's also a great way to check if someone is 'up for' an activity or party.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Wiebistdudrauf?
Sein (bist)
The verb 'sein' is used in its second-person singular form 'bist' to match the subject 'du'.
Drauf
A colloquial contraction of 'darauf'. In this idiom, it functions as a prefix to the verb 'sein' to indicate a state of mind.
🗨In Conversation
Du singst ja unter der Dusche! Wie bist du denn heute drauf?
You're singing in the shower! What kind of mood are you in today?
Ich bin richtig gut drauf, weil heute Freitag ist!
I'm in a really great mood because today is Friday!
✕Common Mistakes
Wie fühlst du drauf?
The idiom strictly uses the verb 'sein' (to be). Even though you are asking about feelings, 'fühlen' cannot be used in this specific construction.
Wie bist du oben?
While 'drauf' can mean 'on top' in other contexts, using 'oben' here is a literal translation error that makes no sense in German.
↔Alternatives
Wie ist deine Laune?
How is your mood?
Bist du gut drauf?
Are you in a good mood?
Was ist los mit dir?
What's up with you? (often used if someone is in a bad mood)
Cultural Tip
In German youth culture, being 'gut drauf' is the goal for any social event. If someone asks you this, they are looking for a more descriptive answer than just 'gut'—they want to know your energy level. It's a very informal phrase, so avoid using it with your boss or in formal documents.