Saying ‘My identify is…’ in German Is Simple With These Phrases
41
As soon as you’re feeling comfy studying and announcing the German alphabet, a superb subsequent step for newcomers to the German language is memorizing brief, useful phrases in German. Brief sentences like saying “My identify is…” in German assist you get a really feel for creating your first German sentences.
You may give it a attempt now by saying Ich heiße, which implies “My identify is…” in German, adopted by your identify. These and different phrases to introduce your self are simple to study and use in formal and informal conditions.
When to say ‘My identify is…’ in German tradition
Very like in American tradition, it’s pure and well mannered to say “My identify is…” in German shortly after assembly somebody new. Understand that as soon as somebody has launched themselves with a sure phrase, it’s greatest to not repeat that phrase your self to keep away from sounding repetitive. As a substitute, you possibly can decide to easily say your identify in response or use one of many phrases you’ll examine beneath.
Formal methods to introduce your self in German
With the fitting phrases, the best way you say “my identify is” in German will be as well mannered and connecting as saying ‘good night’ in German to knowledgeable acquaintance. Nail your first impression and discover ways to say “my identify is” in German formally with the phrases right here.
1. Ich heiße…
Your golden commonplace for introducing your self in German needs to be Ich heiße (I’m referred to as). That is the usual, boilerplate strategy to say “my identify is” in German and can be utilized in any context apart from probably the most informal or casual settings.
- Ich heiße Robert. = I’m referred to as Robert.
2. Nennen Sie mich bitte…
As a well mannered request, you possibly can say Nennen Sie mich bitte (please name me) adopted by your identify. Each the usage of the formal Sie (you, formal) and bitte (please) add as much as a phrase that’s excellent for introducing your self to a brand new skilled contact or beginning a presentation assembly for a brand new shopper.
- Nennen Sie mich bitte Paula. = Please name me Paula.
3. Sie sprechen mit…
Within the trendy world, you typically should introduce your self over the cellphone. Once you get a name from a quantity you don’t acknowledge, you possibly can reply the cellphone with Sie sprechen mit (You’re talking with) adopted by your identify. This not solely provides the caller your identify, but additionally helps effectively minimize the dialog brief in the event that they referred to as the unsuitable quantity by mistake.
- Sie sprechen mit Johann Becker. = You’re talking with Johann Becker.
4. Mein Title ist…
For a extra semi-formal strategy, you possibly can say mein identify is (my identify is) for a direct translation from the English “my identify is.” Whereas this phrase wouldn’t be superb for probably the most formal of settings, it might be applicable for introducing oneself to an elder or peer.
- Mein Title ist Jan Schäfer. = My identify is Jan Schäfer.
Informal phrases to say ‘My identify is…’ in German
There are many contexts the place a stiff introduction can appear misplaced, like exhibiting as much as a skate park as an grownup and utilizing overly formal language with the youngsters there. When issues appear a bit extra “chill,” think about using one of many phrases beneath to point out off your data of cultural context.
1. Ich bin…
Say Ich bin (I’m) with the intention to keep away from repetition when another person has launched themselves first in informal settings or to remind somebody of your identify with out overly flowery language. As an example, if somebody says Ich heiße Rupert (I’m referred to as Rupert), you possibly can reply with Ich bin (I’m) adopted by your identify. This creates a extra pure move to the dialog.
- Frank! Ich bin Alex. Erinnerst du dich an mich? = Frank! I’m Alex. Do you bear in mind me?
2. Sag einfach…
When somebody will get your identify unsuitable, or maybe you usually go by a shortened identify, you possibly can frivolously appropriate them with sag einfach (simply say) adopted by no matter identify you favor to go by. Tone is vital right here, as a curtly spoken sag einfach may give the impression that you simply’re offended by what somebody has referred to as you.
- Jonathan? Nein, sag einfach “John.” = Jonathan? No, simply say “John.”
3. Hier spricht…
As an informal strategy to reply your private cellphone or whenever you’re selecting up a name after work hours, you possibly can maintain it brief and candy with hier spricht (right here speaks, that is) adopted by your identify.
- Ja, bitte. Hier spricht Claudia Bäcker. = Sure, please. That is Caroline Baker.
How you can ask somebody for his or her identify in German
German query phrases work somewhat in another way than these in English when asking somebody for his or her identify. In English, you ask somebody “what” their identify is. German, alternatively, asks wie or “how” you might be referred to as with Wie heißt du? (What’s your identify?) in casual settings or Wie heißen Sie? (What’s your identify?) in formal contexts. Choosing the proper formality for the dialog is as vital to getting off on the fitting foot with an unfamiliar German speaker as figuring out easy methods to say “hiya” in German.
For language fanatics on the market who wish to know extra about German tradition or need assistance with extra superior grammar matters like German possessive pronouns will really feel at house with Rosetta Stone tutoring. Let a local knowledgeable assist you attain your language objectives!


