Unable to translate the phrase !

[nikhilkhullar]

Hello,

I understand that:
そうですか is used when the listener receives and acknowledges new information.

何ですか means what is it...

But, off-late while watching Japanese movies and TV serials, I have come across many characters (specifically females !) uttering this phrase when they are conversing:
そうなんですか ...

As a beginner, grammatically it seems a little absurd to me. Kindly explain what this phrase conveys and when is it supposed to be used ?

Regards,
Nikhil

[Ongakuka]

Contraction of そうなのですか。 Indicates the understanding/offering/seeking of an explanation.

そうなんですか Is that so? (I understood your explanation)
お腹が空いたんで食べたいです。 I'm hungry so I want to eat (I'm informing you of my hunger)
あなたはホラーが苦手なんですか　You're not so good with horror? (I'd like you to explain your feeling)

[nikhilkhullar]

@Ongakuka

わかりました。どうもありがとう　　＾＾

[Ongakuka]

分かりましたか。うまく説明することができなかったと思いますが、「の」、「ん」は、相手からのコミュニケーションを取りたいときに使います。　It's mainly seeking an explanation or giving an explanation. I wonder if there's a section on this on TJP?