what

An interrogative determiner used to ask for information specifying something from an open or indefinite set. It is also used in exclamations to express surprise or emphasis.

• 🇩🇪Interrogativwort, mit dem nach einer oder mehreren Sachen, Personen, Eigenschaften, Mengen oder Umständen aus einer unbegrenzten Menge gefragt wird; auch als Einleitungs- oder Ausrufewort verwendet.

1. Interrogative selection (open set) A1 formal

   Used in questions to ask for information about a specific thing, person, or idea when the possible answers are not limited to a known set. It implies 'which one(s) among all possibilities'.

   • What time is it?
   • What color do you like?
   • What books did you buy?

   🇩🇪Fragende Auswahl (offene Menge)

2. Exclamatory emphasis A2 informal

   Used in exclamations to express strong emotion, such as surprise, admiration, or shock, regarding the quality or nature of something.

   • What a beautiful day!
   • What nonsense!
   • What an idea!

   🇩🇪Ausrufende Verstärkung

3. Relative reference (free relative) B1 formal

   Used to introduce a noun clause that functions as the subject or object of a sentence, meaning 'the thing(s) that'.

   • I know what you mean.
   • What he said was true.
   • Do what you want.

   🇩🇪Relative Bezugnahme (freier Relativsatz)