freut mich
The English phrase 'it was a pleasure meeting you' is expressed in German as freut mich.
A polite expression used to say that you are happy to have met someone for the first time.
Which one should you use?
Es war mir ein Vergnügen, Sie kennenzulernen and Es hat mich gefreut, Sie kennenzulernen are formal. The informal version Es war schön, dich kennengelernt zu haben means 'It was nice to have met you'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Bavarian dialect, I hob mi g'freid, dass I di kennenglernt hob. means 'I was pleased to have met you'.
When do people say it?
A natural response to freut mich is Ganz meinerseits, which means 'Likewise' or 'The pleasure is all mine'.
Did you know?
- In Germany, saying freut mich is often accompanied by a firm handshake and direct eye contact. Failing to maintain eye contact while saying the phrase can be perceived as untrustworthy or disinterested.
- In a business context, the formal Es war mir ein Vergnügen can sound overly dramatic or old-fashioned. Modern professionals typically stick to the shorter freut mich even in formal introductions.
- When using the response Ganz meinerseits, you are literally saying 'Entirely on my side'.
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas meet for the first time at a networking event.
- LauraFreut mich, Sie kennenzulernen, Herr Schmidt.Pleased to meet you, Mr. Schmidt.
- LukasGanz meinerseits, Frau Weber.The pleasure is mine, Ms. Weber.
- LauraEs hat mich wirklich sehr gefreut.It was truly a pleasure.
- LukasDanke, bis zum nächsten Mal.Thank you, until next time.
