Ist das ernst?
Are you serious?
Language note: Expression useful in disbelief or clarification.
Culture note: Commonly heard in both informal and formal settings.
Context: The negotiator questions the seriousness of the captor's demands.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
Ist
[ist]
is
The third person singular form of 'sein', used here to form a question.
Ist das dein Auto?
Is that your car?
das
[das]
the
A definite article used to specify something previously considered or already known.
Das Haus ist groß.
The house is big.
ernst
[ernst]
serious
Used to ask if something is not in jest and should be taken sincerely.
Er fragt: 'Ist das ernst?', als der Pizzalieferant nicht kam.
He asks, 'Is that serious?', when the pizza delivery guy didn't come.
Phrase Parts
Ist
Das
Ernst?
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