4

Does German allow post-head modifiers such as in the world and the hell as in the following English examples?

  1. What the hell are you doing?
  2. Where in the world do you think you're going?
  3. Who the fuck closed my computer?

1 Answer 1

6

Of course.

The literal (except "fuck", which doesn't have a corelate in German) translations of your idioms are:

  1. Was zum Teufel/zur Hölle tust du da?
  2. Wo um alle[s in der] Welt glaubst du, dass du hingehst?
  3. Wer zum Teufel hat meinen Computer zugemacht?
11
  • 2
    Hm ... eher "Wo um alles in der Welt", oder?
    – mtwde
    Jun 10, 2019 at 16:42
  • 2
    @BrettReynolds The Bleistift examples don't work in German. Can you give an english example for that?
    – puck
    Jun 10, 2019 at 17:57
  • 1
    @puck No, it doesn't work in English either. It seems like a strange limitation where all the interrogative words work except which. So I wondered if the same constraints held in German. It appears that they do. Jun 10, 2019 at 18:08
  • 1
    It's Welchen Bleistift zum Teufel hast du benutzt? or Welchen Bleistift hast du zum Teufel benutzt?
    – Janka
    Jun 10, 2019 at 19:50
  • 1
    zu 3) geht noch "Wer hat verflucht/verfickt nochmal meinen Computer zugemacht." Etwas näher an der Vorlage ^^
    – mtwde
    Jun 10, 2019 at 22:03

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.