German Phrase
Was ist DSL-Internet?
Meaning
The sentence asks for a definition of DSL‑Internet, i.e., what the technology called DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) means when it is used for Internet access. It is a typical informational question in a tech‑oriented conversation.
When to use
Use this question when you want to clarify the nature of a DSL connection, for example in a conversation with a friend, a customer service representative, or during a language‑learning exercise about technology vocabulary.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WasistDSL-Internet?
Was (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask for a definition or explanation; it does not change with case.
ist (sein, 3rd person singular)
The verb 'sein' is used for identity or definition questions; it agrees with the singular noun that follows.
DSL-Internet (compound noun)
A technical term formed by the abbreviation DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) and the noun Internet; treated as a neuter singular noun.
🗨In Conversation
Was ist DSL-Internet?
What is DSL Internet?
DSL-Internet ist eine Breitbandverbindung, die über die Telefonleitung läuft und höhere Geschwindigkeiten als herkömmliches Modem bietet.
DSL Internet is a broadband connection that runs over the telephone line and offers higher speeds than a traditional modem.
✕Common Mistakes
Was sind DSL-Internet?
DSL‑Internet is a singular noun, so the verb must be 'ist', not 'sind'.
Was ist das DSL-Internet?
The article is optional; using 'das' is fine, but many native speakers drop it in short questions.
Was ist DSL Internet?
When written, the hyphen is standard in German; omitting it can look like an English borrowing.
↔Alternatives
Was bedeutet DSL-Internet?
What does DSL Internet mean?
Was versteht man unter DSL-Internet?
What is meant by DSL Internet?
Wie funktioniert DSL-Internet?
How does DSL Internet work?
Cultural Tip
In German technical writing the abbreviation DSL is always capitalised and often hyphenated with Internet (DSL‑Internet). In everyday speech you may also hear simply 'DSL' or 'DSL‑Anschluss'. The phrase is neutral in register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using the English word 'Internet' with a German article (e.g., *das Internet* is correct, but *der Internet* is a common mistake).