Guten Morgen, ich heiße
The English phrase "good morning, my name is" is translated into German as Guten Morgen, ich heiße.
This phrase is a polite greeting used in the morning to introduce yourself to another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The part ich heiße literally translates to "I am called".
Which one should you use?
While ich heiße is the standard way to introduce yourself, Guten Morgen, mein Name ist [Your Name]. is a more formal alternative.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Guten Morgen, ich heiße, the verb heißen is conjugated in the first person singular, which is why it ends in -e.
Did you know?
- If you use the word morgen with a lowercase 'm', it no longer means 'morning' but instead means 'tomorrow'.
- While Guten Morgen is used in the morning, Germans in the south may switch to a regional greeting like Grüß Gott regardless of the time.
- The root of Morgen is related to the concept of 'blinking' or 'twinkling', likely describing the first light of dawn.
Examples in context
- Guten Morgen, ich heiße Hans.Good morning, my name is Hans.
- Guten Morgen, ich heiße Schmidt.Good morning, my name is Schmidt.
- Guten Morgen, ich heiße Anna und ich bin neu hier.Good morning, my name is Anna and I am new here.
Example conversation
Maximilian meets his new colleague Laura at the office in the morning.
- MaximilianGuten Morgen, ich heiße Maximilian.Good morning, my name is Maximilian.
- LauraGuten Morgen, ich heiße Laura. Freut mich!Good morning, my name is Laura. Nice to meet you!
- MaximilianGanz meinerseits, Laura.The pleasure is mine, Laura.
- LauraMöchtest du einen Kaffee?Would you like a coffee?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Morgen, ich, morgen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
