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wie
/viː/
how
Wie geht es dir?
How are you?
formalinformal
Used to ask about the manner or way something happens or is done
Wie funktioniert das?
How does this work?
Often used in questions to inquire about methods or processes.
formalinformal
Used to introduce a relative clause, meaning 'the way that' or 'in the manner that'
Er macht es, wie ich es ihm gezeigt habe.
He does it the way I showed him.
Can be used to compare actions or describe similarities.
formalinformal
Used to ask about the degree or extent of something
Wie groß ist das Haus?
How big is the house?
Often used with adjectives to ask about measurements or quantities.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Question Formation
In German, 'wie' is often used at the beginning of questions to ask about manner, degree, or extent.
Gold Rule
Position in Sentences
In questions, 'wie' typically comes before the verb, e.g., 'Wie heißt du?' (What is your name?).
Word Origin
From Middle High German 'wie', from Old High German 'wī', from Proto-Germanic 'hwī'. Related to English 'how'.
Usage Notes
In formal contexts, 'wie' can be used to introduce indirect questions. In informal speech, it is often used to ask for clarification or details.
Word Breakdown
wie
how
rootDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch