was hat denn

what does … have?

→ was

phrase Rare #33,205

what does … have? Denn adds emphasis or expresses surprise and is often left untranslated. The meaning depends on what follows; the phrase can also ask what is wrong with someone.

GE: Was hat denn der Hund gefressen?

EN: What has the dog eaten?

Was hat denn Schweden Besonderes?

What’s so special about Sweden, anyway?

— Der Postmann (1994)

Was hat denn sie hiermit zu tun?

What does she have to do with this?

Was hat denn nun das wieder damit zu tun?

What’s that got to do with it now?

— Fitzcarraldo (1982)

Was hat denn der Besonderes?

What’s so special about him, then?

— Ikiru - Einmal wirklich leben (1952)

Was hat denn mein Schatz?

What's wrong with my sweetheart?

— Amores perros (2000)