German Phrase
Was für besondere Wünsche?
Meaning
Literally “What kind of special wishes?” It is used to ask someone what specific or unusual requests they have, often in the context of events, gifts, or personal goals.
When to use
Use this question when you want to know a person’s particular preferences or requests – e.g., at a wedding planner’s meeting, when ordering a custom cake, or when a friend is planning a surprise.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WasfürbesondereWünsche?
Was für
A colloquial way to ask “what kind of”. It is followed by a noun in the accusative case.
Adjective ending after "was für"
The adjective takes the weak ending –e (or –en in plural) because the article is omitted; here "besondere" stays unchanged.
Plural noun
Wünsche is the plural of Wunsch; the question is about more than one wish.
🗨In Conversation
Was für besondere Wünsche hast du für deine Hochzeit?
What special wishes do you have for your wedding?
Ich wünsche mir ein offenes Feuerwerk und ein Jazz‑Quartett im Garten.
I’d like an open‑air fireworks display and a jazz quartet in the garden.
✕Common Mistakes
Was für besondere Wunsch?
The noun must be plural because "Wünsche" refers to multiple wishes.
Was für ein besondere Wünsche?
Do not use "ein" after "was für"; the article is omitted and the adjective takes a weak ending.
Was für besondere Wünsch?
The correct plural form is "Wünsche"; "Wünsch" is a colloquial singular.
↔Alternatives
Welche besonderen Wünsche hast du?
Which special wishes do you have?
Hast du besondere Wünsche?
Do you have any special wishes?
Gibt es besondere Wünsche?
Are there any special wishes?
Cultural Tip
In everyday German "Was für" is perfectly natural, but in very formal writing you might prefer "Welche". Also, Germans often ask about "Wünsche" when planning events, as it shows respect for the guest’s preferences.