Hallo, ich heiße Emma
The English phrase "hello, my name is emma" can be translated into German as Hallo, ich heiße Emma.
This phrase is a greeting used when introducing oneself to another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The component ich heiße literally means "I am called".
Which one should you use?
While ich heiße is a common way to introduce yourself, it uses the verb "to be called" rather than the English "to be" (ich bin). Another common way to say "Hello, my name is Emma" is Hallo, mein Name ist Emma.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb heißen (to be called) is conjugated in the first person singular as heiße.
Did you know?
- While heiße means 'am called', it shares a root with the word for 'command' or 'order' in older forms of the language.
- In some German regions, a greeting like Hallo might be replaced by Moin in the north or Servus in the south, regardless of the time of day.
- When introducing yourself, a firm handshake and direct eye contact are culturally expected in Germany to signal reliability and honesty.
Examples in context
- Guten Tag, ich heiße Emma.Good day, my name is Emma.
- Hallo, ich bin Emma.Hello, I am Emma.
- Hi, ich heiße Emma.Hi, my name is Emma.
- Hallo, ich heiße Emma und ich bin neu hier.Hello, my name is Emma and I am new here.
- Hallo, ich heiße Emma. Freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen.Hello, my name is Emma. Nice to meet you.
Example conversation
Two people meeting for the first time at a party.
- SarahHallo, ich heiße Emma.Hello, my name is Emma.
- FelixHallo Emma, ich bin Felix.Hello Emma, I am Felix.
- SarahFreut mich, Felix!Nice to meet you, Felix!
- FelixGleichfalls!Likewise!
