Lovitt: AS WAS IST / THAT WHICH IS

"That which is" here translates das was ist. In the discussion that begins at this point, Heidegger is clearly employing a usage that must force any German reader to think afresh; by specifically distinguishing das was ist from any use of the present participle Seiendes for "this or that particular being," he can set forth a distinction apparent in the words themselves. For the English-speaking reader of this volume, however, a different and more difficult problem remains. Since das Seiende is very often translated in these essays with "what is," "whatever is,’’ and "that which is," confusion could easily result in the present context. Only in the discussion now underway, in two related passages in QCT   (pp. 25, 27), and in one other instance (WN 97) will "that which is" translate forms of das was ist; das Seiende will be translated variously as "what is," "what is in being," and "that which is in being."