German Phrase
Kriegst du WLAN?
Meaning
A casual way to ask someone whether they have access to a Wi‑Fi network, often used when you need to connect a device or want the password.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal settings – at a friend’s house, in a café, a co‑working space, or a hotel lobby – when you want to know if Wi‑Fi is available and possibly request the password.
✦Grammar Breakdown
KriegstduWLAN?
Verb‑Subject Inversion
In yes‑no questions the finite verb comes first, followed by the subject (Kriegst du …?).
Kriegen vs. Bekommen
"Kriegen" is a colloquial verb meaning "to get/receive"; it is interchangeable with "bekommen" in informal speech.
WLAN as a Neuter Noun
WLAN is a loanword (das WLAN). When used without an article, the gender does not affect the sentence.
🗨In Conversation
Kriegst du WLAN?
Do you have Wi‑Fi?
Ja, das Passwort ist "speeek2026".
Yes, the password is "speeek2026".
✕Common Mistakes
Bekommst du WLAN?
While grammatically correct, "bekommen" sounds a bit formal; "kriegen" is the usual colloquial choice.
Kriegst du das WLAN?
Adding the article "das" changes the meaning to "Do you get the specific Wi‑Fi network?" which is rarely intended.
Kriegst du WLAN, bitte?
The polite particle "bitte" belongs at the end of a request, not a yes‑no question; use "Könntest du mir das WLAN‑Passwort geben?" instead.
↔Alternatives
Hast du WLAN?
Do you have Wi‑Fi?
Gibt es hier WLAN?
Is there Wi‑Fi here?
Kann ich das WLAN nutzen?
Can I use the Wi‑Fi?
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries "WLAN" is the standard term for Wi‑Fi, and people often ask for the password rather than the network name. While "Kriegst du WLAN?" is perfectly understandable, many native speakers prefer the slightly more neutral "Hast du WLAN?" because "kriegen" sounds very colloquial. Also remember to switch to the formal "Sie" if you’re speaking with strangers or in a business setting.