A comprehensive overview of the difference between formal (Sie) and informal (du) pronouns in German, including usage rules, examples, and grammar.
In German, there are two ways to say "you": Sie (formal) and du (informal). Choosing the right form is crucial for polite and appropriate communication. Sie is used in formal situations, with strangers, or people older than you, while du is used among friends, family, and children.
- Sie always capitalized and uses third-person plural verb forms.
- du is lowercase (except at sentence start) and uses second-person singular verb forms.
- Using the wrong form can be seen as rude or overly familiar.
Using "Sie" (Formal)
Sie* is the polite form of "you" in German. It’s used in professional settings, with strangers, or anyone you don’t know well. It shows respect and maintains social distance.
When to Use "Sie":
- Talking to someone older or in a higher position
- Speaking with strangers or in customer service
- In formal letters, emails, or business contexts
- When you want to be especially polite or respectful
Grammar Rules for "Sie":
- Use third-person plural verb endings (same as sie = "they").
- Always capitalize Sie and its related pronouns (Ihnen, Ihr).
- Use the full pronoun (don’t drop Sie as you do with du).
Examples:
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Wie heißen Sie? | What is your name? |
| Können Sie mir helfen? | Can you help me? |
| Haben Sie Zeit? | Do you have time? |
| Ich habe Ihnen eine E-Mail geschickt. | I sent you an email. |
Using "du" (Informal)
du* is the informal singular "you" used with people you know well: family, friends, and children. It creates a sense of closeness and familiarity.
When to Use "du":
- Speaking to friends, siblings, or cousins
- Talking to your own children or teenagers
- When someone explicitly invites you to use du (“Du kannst mich duzen.”)
- In casual, relaxed settings
Grammar Rules for "du":
- Use second-person singular verb endings (usually -st).
- Pronouns are lowercase (du, dir, dich), except at the beginning of a sentence.
- You can often drop the pronoun in conversation (“Kommst du?” → “Kommst?”).
Examples:
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Wie heißt du? | What is your name? |
| Kannst du mir helfen? | Can you help me? |
| Hast du Zeit? | Do you have time? |
| Ich habe dir eine Nachricht geschickt. | I sent you a message. |
Key Differences
Understanding the main differences helps you choose the right form naturally:
| Feature | Sie (Formal) | du (Informal) |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | You (formal) | You (informal, singular) |
| Usage | Strangers, elders, professional settings | Friends, family, children |
| Verb Form | Third-person plural (e.g., können) | Second-person singular (e.g., kannst) |
| Capitalization | Pronouns always capitalized (Sie, Ihnen) | Pronouns lowercase (du, dir), except sentence start |
| Example | Können Sie helfen? | Kannst du helfen? |
| Social Effect | Polite, respectful, distant | Friendly, familiar, casual |
What is the social effect of using 'Sie' versus 'du'?
'Sie' creates distance and politeness; 'du' creates closeness and familiarity'
'Sie' maintains social distance and shows respect, while 'du' signals a personal, friendly relationship.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls for smoother, more natural German:
- Using du too soon: Always start with Sie unless invited to switch.
- Forgetting to capitalize Sie: Always write Sie (and related forms) with a capital S.
- Mixing verb endings: Match Sie with third-person plural verbs; du with second-person singular.
- Using ihr/dich instead of Ihnen: For Sie, use Ihnen (dative) and Sie (accusative), not dir or dich.
What mistake is being made in this sentence: 'Kannst Sie mir helfen?'
Using the second-person singular verb form 'kannst' with the formal 'Sie'
With 'Sie', the verb should be third-person plural ('können'), not second-person singular ('kannst').
Switching from "Sie" to "du"
When Germans decide to drop formality, they often say "Wir können uns duzen." (We can use "du" with each other). This can happen naturally in friendships or when colleagues become closer.
- Don’t switch “du” too early—wait for a clear invitation.
- When invited, respond positively: “Danke, gerne!” (Thanks, gladly!)
- Continue using proper grammar even in informal speech.
Understanding the difference between Sie and du is a key step toward speaking German confidently and appropriately.
Flashcards (1 of 8)
- English: What is your name?
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
