'Was' or 'welche'????? Hello I hope someone maybe able to help with the following question; Is there a rule to demonstrate whether to use ‘WAS’ as opposed to ‘WELCHE R/S’ when referring to the English word ‘WHAT’? For example, I know that you would use ‘welche’ in the following sentence, ‘Welche Farbe hat das Auto’ when we in English would use ‘what’ but is there some sort of rule which dictates its usage? Which word would I, for example in the following 3 questions; 1. ‘What do you see in the shop window?’ Was/welche sehen Sie im Ladenfenster? 2. Was liest der Junge? 3. Was macht die Frau? Thanks Laura Thanks Otto for your assistance. As always much appreciated! Hmmmm Eliot, yes it is kinda obvious (when it's pointed out to you!!!!) I think there's an English saying 'can't see the wood for the trees' that's probably appropriate here. Thanks anyway for your help!!