German Phrase
Was ist deine Leidenschaft?
Meaning
Literally, 'What is your passion?' It asks the listener to name the activity, subject, or cause that excites them the most. The word 'Leidenschaft' conveys a strong, heartfelt interest, stronger than a casual hobby.
When to use
Use this question in informal or semi‑formal conversations when you want to get to know someone on a personal level – at a coffee chat, networking event, language exchange, or when making new friends. It’s also a good ice‑breaker in a classroom or workshop setting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WasistdeineLeidenschaft?
Was (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask 'what' and always starts a question; it triggers verb‑second word order.
ist (sein, 3rd person singular)
The present tense of 'to be' used here as a copula linking the subject and predicate.
deine (possessive adjective)
Agrees with the feminine noun 'Leidenschaft' in gender, number and case (nominative).
Leidenschaft (feminine noun)
Means 'passion' or 'enthusiasm'; takes the nominative case after 'sein'.
Verb‑second (V2) word order
In German main clauses the finite verb occupies the second position, so the question word 'Was' comes first, followed by the verb 'ist'.
🗨In Conversation
Was ist deine Leidenschaft?
What is your passion?
Ich liebe das Fotografieren – ich kann stundenlang durch die Stadt laufen und interessante Momente einfangen.
I love photography – I can walk around the city for hours and capture interesting moments.
✕Common Mistakes
Was ist dein Leidenschaft?
Leidenschaft is feminine, so the possessive must be 'deine', not the masculine 'dein'.
Was ist deine Leidenschaftes?
After 'sein' the noun stays in nominative, not genitive.
Was deine Leidenschaft ist?
In a direct question the verb must stay in second position; the correct order is 'Was ist deine Leidenschaft?'.
↔Alternatives
Was begeistert dich?
What excites you?
Wofür brennst du?
What are you passionate about?
Was ist dein Hobby?
What is your hobby?
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries, talking about 'Leidenschaft' often implies a deep, long‑term commitment, not just a fleeting interest. When you answer, it’s common to elaborate with a short story or example. Avoid using the word in overly formal business settings unless you’re discussing career motivations, as it can sound too personal for a strict professional context.