German Phrase
Was ist ein Netzwerkname?
Meaning
The sentence asks for a definition: “What is a network name?” In IT contexts it refers to the identifier of a Wi‑Fi network (SSID) or the name assigned to a computer within a local network.
When to use
Use this question when you need to clarify the meaning of a technical term, for example when setting up a router, explaining a Wi‑Fi connection to a colleague, or teaching German IT vocabulary.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WasisteinNetzwerkname?
Was (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask 'what' in a question; it does not change with case.
ist (verb sein)
Third‑person singular present of 'sein' (to be); forms the core of a definition question.
ein (indefinite article)
Neuter indefinite article matching the gender of 'Netzwerkname' (das Netzwerkname).
Netzwerkname (compound noun)
A compound of 'Netzwerk' (network) + 'Name' (name); always neuter (das Netzwerkname).
? (question mark)
Marks the sentence as a direct question in written German.
🗨In Conversation
Was ist ein Netzwerkname?
What is a network name?
Ein Netzwerkname, auch SSID genannt, ist die Bezeichnung, die Geräte sehen, wenn sie nach WLANs suchen.
A network name, also called an SSID, is the label that devices see when they look for Wi‑Fi networks.
✕Common Mistakes
Was ist der Netzwerkname?
The noun is neuter, so the correct article is 'das' or the indefinite 'ein'.
Was heißt ein Netzwerkname?
While 'heißt' can be used, the standard definition question uses 'ist'. Mixing both can sound awkward.
Was ist ein Netzwerk Namen?
Compound nouns stay together; do not split them with a space.
↔Alternatives
Wie lautet der Netzwerkname?
What is the network name?
Wie heißt das Netzwerk?
What is the network called?
Was bedeutet Netzwerkname?
What does ‘network name’ mean?
Cultural Tip
In German technical language the word 'Netzwerkname' is most often used for the Wi‑Fi SSID, but it can also refer to a computer’s NetBIOS name. When speaking with non‑technical people, it’s safer to say 'WLAN‑Name' or simply 'Name des Netzwerks' to avoid confusion. The phrase is neutral in register and works in both formal and informal settings.