Du vs. Sie
A1 · Beginner · Basics
The rule
du for friends, family, children; Sie for strangers and formal situations.
How it works
German has an informal you (du, ihr for plural) and a formal you (Sie). Use du with family, close friends, children and young people; use Sie with strangers, colleagues you do not know well, officials and customers. Older generations may be more formal. Wait until someone offers you du, or ask politely: Können wir uns duzen?
When to use it
Choose du for friends, family, children and young people, and Sie for strangers, customers and formal settings.
Use cases
- Writing to a company or authority with Sie and Ihnen
- Talking to a new neighbour, where Sie is safer
- Chatting with friends and classmates using du
Examples
- Wie heißen Sie? – What is your name? (formal)
- Kannst du mir das erklären? – Can you explain that to me?
- Könnten Sie mir bitte helfen? – Could you help me, please? (formal)
- Wollen wir uns duzen? – Shall we use du with each other?
Common mistake
Using du with a stranger or a boss, which can sound rude.
Memory tip
When in doubt, use Sie and wait to be offered du.