Question 1

Why do we use wofür instead of asking für was?

Accepted Answer

When asking "for what" about an object or a concept, standard German combines the word wo (which normally means "where") with the preposition für to create a single word: wofür. This type of word is called a "wo-compound". While you might hear für was in casual street slang, wofür is the correct standard way to ask this question!

Question 2

The English translation separates "what" and "for". Can I separate wo and für in German?

Accepted Answer

No, standard German requires them to stay together! In English, we often put "What" at the start and "for" at the very end of the sentence ("What do you need this for?"). In German, the wo-compound must remain a single, unbroken word at the beginning of the question: Wofür brauchst du...?

Question 3

Is die Schere singular or plural here?

Accepted Answer

It is singular! This is a very common trap for English speakers. In English, we say "scissors" (plural). In German, a pair of scissors is considered a single, feminine object: die Schere. If you wanted to talk about multiple pairs of scissors, the plural would be die Scheren.

Question 4

Is die Schere in the accusative case here?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The verb brauchen (to need) always takes a direct object in the accusative case. You are the subject doing the needing (du), and the scissors are the object being needed. Because Schere is a feminine noun, its accusative article is die—which happens to look exactly the same as its nominative (subject) article, so it doesn't change its shape!

Wofür brauchst du die Schere?

Breakdown of Wofür brauchst du die Schere?

Questions & Answers about Wofür brauchst du die Schere?

Learn Wofür brauchst du die Schere and more in German