Bite 19: Asking and Answering Questions in German – The Key to Conversation

German in 100 bites by Dr. Mitar Pitzek

Bite 19:
Asking and Answering Questions in German - The Key to Conversation
(A1 Level)

Innes Blog - Bite 19: Asking and Answering Questions in German

Before We Dive In

“Das Wichtigste ist, dass man nicht aufhört zu fragen.“
(The important thing is not to stop asking questions.)
– Often attributed to Albert Einstein

Asking questions is how we connect — how we understand the world, and how we get to know the people in it. That’s especially true when learning a new language. Whether you’re navigating your first day in Vienna, ordering coffee, or starting a conversation with someone new, being able to ask and answer questions is one of the most useful skills you can build.

In this Bite, you’ll learn how to ask the most important types of questions in German – clearly, confidently, and politely. Because asking is not just about grammar – it’s how we learn, how we explore, and how we truly arrive in a new culture.

1. Question Words (W-Fragen)

Let’s start with the essentials — these W-questions are your best friends:

German	English	Example
Wer	Who	Wer bist du? (Who are you?)
Was	What	Was machst du? (What are you doing?)
Wo / Woher	Where / Where… from?	Wo wohnst du? (Where do you live?)
Wann	When	Wann kommst du? (When are you coming?)
Warum	Why	Warum lernst du Deutsch? (Why are you learning German?)
Wie	How	Wie heißt du? (What’s your name?)
Wie viel / viele	How much / many	Wie viel kostet das? (How much is that?)

Structure Tip: In a W-question, the verb always comes second:

Wo wohnst du?
Was machst du am Wochenende?

2. Yes/No Questions (Ja/Nein Fragen)

These don’t start with a question word — they begin directly with the verb.

German	English
Lernst du Deutsch?	Are you learning German?
Kommst du aus Wien?	Are you from Vienna?
Magst du Kaffee?	Do you like coffee?

Answers:
• Ja, ich lerne Deutsch. (Yes, I’m learning German.)
• Nein, ich komme aus Graz. (No, I’m from Graz.)

3. Du oder Sie? – Formal vs. Informal Questions

In English, you can say ‘you’ to anyone – your best friend or your professor. But in German, you must choose between two forms:

German	Used for…
du	friends, family, children, informal chats
Sie	formal situations: work, strangers, service staff

Example – Informal:

Wo wohnst du? (Where do you live?)

Example – Formal:

Wo wohnen Sie? (Where do you live?)

The verb endings change slightly between du and Sie. With ‘Sie’ (formal) you always use the third person plural form – although you only mean one person.

Another example:

Wie heißt du? → informal
Wie heißen Sie? → formal

Tip: If you’re not sure, use ‘Sie’. It’s more polite and will always be seen as respectful – especially in Austria, where formal speech is quite common.

And: ‘Sie’ is always capitalized – even in the middle of a sentence!

4. Practice Time – Answer These Questions!

Try to answer the following questions in German (you can keep it simple! But try to write whole sentences!):

Wie heißt du?
Wo wohnst du?
Was machst gern in deiner Freizeit?
Lernst du Deutsch gern?
Was ist dein Beruf?

Tip: Write them out and say them aloud. Or ask a friend – conversations are the best practice!

Then: Try to translate it into formal questions with ‘Sie’!

✅These are perfect for small talk and getting to know someone, whether in a class, at a café, or even in line at the supermarket.

Vienna Tip: Take Your Questions Outside

One of the best ways to use your German questions in real life?
Start small. Ask for directions. Order something. Make a comment about the weather.

Try this:

In a café: Haben Sie auch vegane Optionen?
On the street: Entschuldigung, wo ist die nächste U-Bahn-Station?
In a bookstore: Gibt es diesen Titel auch auf Englisch?

Vienna is full of kind, patient people – and every short question is a big step forward!

Summary

Mastering German questions will boost your confidence in real-life conversations.

Learn and practice the most important W-questions.
Use yes/no questions to get fast, simple answers.
Practice with real people – even short chats help!

Remember: A conversation begins with a question.
And now you know how to ask them.

Pro Tip from Dr. Mitar Pitzek

Don’t forget: In German, question word = first position, verb = second. But if there’s no question word, the verb comes first!

So:

Wo wohnst du? (question word)
Wohnst du in Wien? (no question word – verb first)

The verb is your anchor – keep it in second position (or first in yes/no questions), and your questions will sound natural and correct.

Use ‘du’ with friends and peers, and ‘Sie’ for polite or professional situations.
And: ‘Sie’ is always capitalized – even in the middle of a sentence!”