Alternativfragen

Alternativfragen are a type of question in German that presents two or more alternatives and asks the respondent to choose one (or among the options). They are distinct from Ja/Nein questions, which expect a yes or no answer, and from open-ended questions because they constrain the possible responses.

Common forms and structure: Alternativfragen are usually built with oder between candidates, and often with either ... oder ... for emphasis. Examples include: Gehen wir heute Abend ins Kino oder ins Theater? Möchten Sie Kaffee oder Tee? Willst du das blaue oder das rote Hemd? When three or more options are offered, the question might read: Welche Sprache soll verwendet werden: Deutsch, Englisch oder Französisch? The expected answer is the chosen option, not a simple yes or no.

Grammar and usage: In direct questions, the word order follows standard main-clause patterns; the question remains closed-ended, seeking a specific option. In wider discourse, Alternativfragen can serve to facilitate decision-making, scheduling, or surveys, and they appear in informal conversation as well as in exams and structured interviews.

Nuances and guidance: To avoid ambiguity, alternatives should be clearly distinct and mutually exclusive. The phrase ent- oder oder can be used for emphasis or formality. Respondents may sometimes be allowed to say “beides” if the context permits, though this reduces the definiteness of the choice.