"Was es ist" (What it is) is a song written and recorded by the German pop and rock band MIA., released in 2003 and later included on the album Stille Post.

The song's theme is a positive interpretation of the German national identity re-awakening in a positive and tolerant way, thus allowing young Germans to identify with their country: "Fragt man mich jetzt, woher ich komme, / Tu ich mir nicht mehr selber leid" (If I am asked now where I'm from, / I no longer pity myself).

[2] When the song was released on an EP of the same title in 2003, the band was heavily criticized for its patriotic tone which many considered inappropriate due to Germany's difficult history, culminating in accusations of promoting nationalism.

claimed that the song was meant to provoke a discussion about Germany as a home and as a place to change and design; furthermore, they considered themselves politically on the left.

The lead singer, Mieze Katz, who was even pelted with eggs, said about the topic: "This was grotesque for we aren't nationalists.