Explanations 
Flashcards 
StudySmarter AI 
Notes 
Study Plans 
Study Sets 
Exams 
Magazine 
Find a job 
Mobile App 
Jump to a key chapter
Introduction to German Interrogative Pronouns
German Interrogative Pronouns are crucial tools in the German language for asking questions. Grasping these elements can significantly enhance your ability to engage inquiringly within conversations and writings. This guide aims to make this topic accessible and understandable, even if you're encountering it for the first time.
What Are Interrogative Pronouns in German?
In German, interrogative pronouns are used to ask questions about people, places, objects, and ideas. They replace the noun that is the subject, object, or complement within a sentence when the answer to the question is unknown. German interrogative pronouns change form depending on the case they are in: nominative, accusative, dative, or genitive.
Interrogative Pronouns: Words that are used to ask questions about nouns without specifying the nouns themselves. They vary according to the case, gender, and number.
Wer ist das? (Who is that?)In this sentence, wer is used to ask about a person in the nominative case.
List of German Interrogative Pronouns
Below is a breakdown of the most commonly used German interrogative pronouns, detailing their forms across different cases.
| Interrogative Pronoun | Nominative | Accusative | Dative | Genitive |
| Who? | Wer | Wen | Wem | Wessen |
| What? | Was | Was | - | Was |
| Which? | Welcher(e) | Welchen | Welchem | Welches |
| Whose? | Wessen | Wessen | Wessen | Wessen |
Remember, Welcher(e) changes its ending based on the gender and case of the noun it's referring to.
Understanding Interrogative Pronouns German Cases
German interrogative pronouns are the backbone of forming questions in the German language. Each case - nominative, accusative, dative, and genitive - serves a specific grammatical purpose and changes the form of the interrogative pronoun used.
Nominative Case: Who and What
The nominative case is used when the interrogative pronoun acts as the subject of the sentence. It is answering 'who' or 'what' is performing the action. In German, 'wer' is used for 'who', and 'was' is used for 'what'.
Wer spricht? (Who is speaking?)Was passiert? (What is happening?)
Understanding the use of these pronouns can significantly improve your question-asking skills in German, allowing for more dynamic and engaging conversations.
Accusative Case: Whom and What
The accusative case is used when the interrogative pronoun is the direct object of a sentence, meaning it receives the action of the verb. Here, 'wen' is used for 'whom', and 'was' remains the pronoun for 'what'.
Wen siehst du? (Whom do you see?)Was liest du? (What are you reading?)
The shift from 'wer' to 'wen' is crucial in distinguishing the subject from the object within a sentence, highlighting the importance of understanding German cases.
Note that, unlike in English, the pronoun for 'what' does not change in the accusative case.
Dative Case: To Whom
The dative case in German is used to indicate the indirect object of a sentence - essentially, to whom or for whom an action is done. In this instance, 'wem' is used for 'to whom'.
Wem geh"ort das Buch? (To whom does the book belong?)
The dative case can often be tricky for learners due to its indirect nature, but practicing with questions like the one above can help in understanding and using it correctly.
Genitive Case: Whose
The genitive case is somewhat less common in spoken German but is crucial for showing possession or relationship, answering 'whose'. In German, 'wessen' is the interrogative pronoun used for 'whose'.
Wessen Auto ist das? (Whose car is that?)
Though the genitive case is rarer in everyday conversation, its use is pivotal in formal writing and speech to indicate possession clearly and concisely.
Remember, the interrogative pronoun in the genitive case remains the same regardless of the gender or number of the noun it refers to.
Interrogative Pronouns Examples in German
German interrogative pronouns form the basis of questions. To master the art of conversation in German, it is essential to learn how to use these pronouns correctly in various grammatical cases. This section will explore how to use 'wer' for 'who', 'was' for 'what', and delve into forming questions with 'wem' and 'wen'.
Using "Wer" for "Who" in a Sentence
'Wer' is the German interrogative pronoun used in the nominative case to ask about the subject of a verb - essentially, 'who'. When crafting questions, 'wer' seeks information about the person performing the action. Remember, as with all interrogative pronouns, the verb typically follows 'wer' in the sentence structure.
Wer lernt Deutsch? (Who is learning German?)Wer kocht heute Abend? (Who is cooking tonight?)
'Wer' can only be used when referring to people, not objects or places.
How to Use "Was" for "What"
The interrogative pronoun 'was' is used in the nominative and accusative cases to ask about objects, concepts, or actions, translating to 'what'. Unlike 'wer', 'was' can be used to inquire about non-living things or abstract ideas.
Was ist das? (What is that?)Was machst du? (What are you doing?)
Use 'was' when the subject or object of the question is not a person.
Forming Questions with "Wem" and "Wen"
When forming questions about the direct and indirect objects in a sentence, 'wen' and 'wem' become indispensable. 'Wen', used in the accusative case, asks about the direct object, or 'whom'. In contrast, 'wem' is utilized in the dative case, inquiring about the indirect object, or 'to whom' an action is done.
Accusative Case: Used to ask about the recipient of an action with 'wen'.Dative Case: Used to ask about the beneficiary of an action with 'wem'.
Wen kennst du hier? (Whom do you know here?)Wem geh"ort dieses Buch? (To whom does this book belong?)
Understanding the difference between 'wem' and 'wen' is pivotal in mastering German interrogative pronouns. The dative case, marked by 'wem', is often signaled by prepositions that denote an indirect relationship, such as 'zu' (to) or 'mit' (with). Meanwhile, 'wen' is straightforward, seeking the direct object affected by the action. These nuances contribute significantly to the richness and precision of the German language.
Practising with German Interrogative Pronouns Exercises
Practising with German interrogative pronouns through exercises is a practical way to reinforce your understanding and improve your ability to construct questions accurately. This section provides exercises designed to help you identify cases, select the correct pronoun, and form comprehensive questions in German.Exercises range from matching pronouns to their cases, fill-in-the-blank activities for choosing the right pronoun, and guided tasks for crafting complete questions using interrogative pronouns. Engaging with these exercises will enhance your familiarity and comfort with German interrogative structures, making your conversations more dynamic and engaging.
Matching Exercises for Case Identification
Matching exercises are an effective method to recognise and associate German interrogative pronouns with their corresponding cases. In this exercise, match each interrogative pronoun to the case it represents (nominative, accusative, dative, or genitive). This will help you understand how the form of the pronoun changes with the grammatical case.Here’s a simple exercise to get you started:
| Wer | ___ | Nominative (Who) |
| Wen | ___ | Accusative (Whom) |
| Wem | ___ | Dative (To whom) |
| Wessen | ___ | Genitive (Whose) |
Fill-in-the-Blank with the Correct Pronoun
Fill-in-the-blank exercises further challenge you to select the correct interrogative pronoun based on the context of the sentence. This exercise type targets your ability to apply knowledge of cases and pronoun forms in a more practical setting. You will fill in the blanks in sentences with the appropriate wer, was, wen, or wem, depending on the required grammatical case.Example sentences for practice include:
- ____ geh"ort das Buch? (Wem belongs this book?)
- ____ hast du gestern getroffen? (Wen did you meet yesterday?)
- ____ ist das? (Was is that?)
Creating Questions Using Interrogative Pronouns in German
The ultimate test of your knowledge is creating questions using interrogative pronouns. This task requires not only choosing the correct pronoun but also constructing the entire question in proper German syntax. Focus will be on utilising the interrogative pronouns to inquire about subjects, objects, possessions, and attributes in versatile and contextually relevant questions.Examples of constructing questions:
- Wie heißt der Mann, von dem du gesprochen hast? (What is the name of the man you were talking about?)
- Wessen Tasche ist das? (Whose bag is this?)
- Warum ist wer traurig? (Why is someone sad?)
Formulating questions with interrogative pronouns requires a deep understanding of German cases and the roles they play within sentences. Beyond memorising forms, engaging with practical exercises reveals patterns and reinforces the grammatical framework that underpins the German language. Over time, these exercises will contribute to a more intuitive grasp of question formation, enhancing both your spoken and written German. Practising regularly and seeking real-life application of these exercises can elevate your proficiency and confidence in using German.
For beginners, it may help to start with simpler questions, gradually moving to more complex structures as your understanding grows. Persistently applying what you learn in exercises to real-life conversations will yield the best results.
German Interrogative Pronouns - Key takeaways
- German Interrogative Pronouns: Words used to form questions about people, places, objects, and ideas, changing form based on case (nominative, accusative, dative, genitive).
- List of German Interrogative Pronouns: Common examples include 'wer' (who), 'was' (what), 'welcher(e)' (which), 'wessen' (whose); 'welcher(e)' changes ending based on gender and case.
- Interrogative Pronouns German Cases: Each case serves a specific purpose and alters the pronoun form; nominative (subject - wer, was), accusative (direct object - wen, was), dative (indirect object - wem), genitive (possession - wessen).
- Interrogative Pronouns Examples in German: Examples include 'Wer spricht?' (Who is speaking?) and 'Wem geh"ort das Buch?' (To whom does the book belong?), demonstrating case usage.
- German Interrogative Pronouns Exercises: Practice includes matching pronouns to cases, fill-in-the-blanks for case application, and creating questions using interrogative pronouns to reinforce understanding and application.
Learn faster with the 12 flashcards about German Interrogative Pronouns
Sign up for free to gain access to all our flashcards.
Frequently Asked Questions about German Interrogative Pronouns
About StudySmarter
StudySmarter is a globally recognized educational technology company, offering a holistic learning platform designed for students of all ages and educational levels. Our platform provides learning support for a wide range of subjects, including STEM, Social Sciences, and Languages and also helps students to successfully master various tests and exams worldwide, such as GCSE, A Level, SAT, ACT, Abitur, and more. We offer an extensive library of learning materials, including interactive flashcards, comprehensive textbook solutions, and detailed explanations. The cutting-edge technology and tools we provide help students create their own learning materials. StudySmarter’s content is not only expert-verified but also regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Learn more