How to Say “Hi, Nice to Meet You” in German

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Hallo, freut mich, dich kennenzulernen
The English phrase "hi, nice to meet you" is translated into German as Hallo, freut mich, dich kennenzulernen.
This phrase is a friendly greeting used when meeting someone for the first time.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase freut mich literally means "pleases me", which is a shortened version of Es freut mich (It pleases me).

Which one should you use?

For a more casual tone, you can use Hallo, nett dich kennenzulernen! or the even shorter Hey, freut mich! In formal settings, use Guten Tag, sehr erfreut, Sie kennenzulernen. or simply Sehr erfreut.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

For a more casual and common approach, you can use the shortened version Freut mich. In formal situations, use the version that includes Sie instead of dich, such as Guten Tag, sehr erfreut, Sie kennenzulernen. or Sehr erfreut.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Swiss German, a casual way to say "Hi, nice to meet you!" is Hoi, freut mi!

How does it change in a sentence?

In the phrase Hallo, freut mich, dich kennenzulernen, the word dich is the accusative form of the informal singular du. It serves as the object of the verb kennenzulernen. In formal situations, you should replace dich with Sie.

Did you know?

  • The word Hallo shares a surprising ancestry with the command used to call out to a ferryman to fetch a boat.
  • In Germany, a firm handshake and direct eye contact are essential when saying Freut mich. Avoiding eye contact during this greeting can be perceived as untrustworthy or disinterested.
  • The greeting Sehr erfreut is so formal that it can feel almost old-fashioned, similar to saying 'Much obliged' in English.

Examples in context

  • Guten Tag, sehr erfreut, Sie kennenzulernen! Mein Name ist Anna.
    Good day, very pleased to meet you! My name is Anna.
  • Hallo, nett dich kennenzulernen! Wie heißt du?
    Hi, nice to meet you! What's your name?
  • Hey, freut mich! Ich bin Max. Woher kommst du?
    Hey, nice to meet you! I'm Max. Where are you from?
  • Hallo, freut mich, dich kennenzulernen! Wie heißt du?
    Hi, nice to meet you! What is your name?
  • Hallo, freut mich, dich kennenzulernen.
    Hi, nice to meet you.

Example conversation

Lukas and Sarah meet for the first time at a party.

  1. Lukas

    Hallo, freut mich, dich kennenzulernen, Sarah.
    Hi, nice to meet you, Sarah.
  2. Sarah

    Hallo Lukas, freut mich auch!
    Hi Lukas, nice to meet you too!
  3. Lukas

    Kommst du auch aus Berlin?
    Do you also come from Berlin?
  4. Sarah

    Nein, ich komme aus München.
    No, I come from Munich.

Sources

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Christian Leigh
Christian LeighHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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