mein Name
/maɪ̯n ˈnaːmə/word by word
mein Name is the German way to say "my name".
The phrase refers to the name that a person is called. The phrase Mein Name ist… is often used in formal contexts, such as business introductions or official settings.
Which one should you use?
While mein Name ist… is grammatically correct, Germans more commonly use the verb heißen (to be called) to introduce themselves.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase mein Name changes depending on its role in a sentence. It becomes meinen Namen when it is the direct object, and it changes to meines Namens in the genitive case.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɪ̯n ˈnaːmə/
Did you know?
- If you are filling out a form in Germany, you will often see the phrase Name, Vorname. This tells you to write your family name first and your given name second.
- In very formal German settings, it is customary to introduce yourself using your full name and title, such as Mein Name ist Dr. Schmidt, rather than just your first name.
- While English uses 'name' for both people and things, Germans sometimes use the word Bezeichnung to refer to the 'name' or label of an object to avoid confusion.
Examples in context
- Tom ist mein Name.Tom is my name.This sentence shows how to state a name using mein Name.Tatoeba #3761262 by Wuzzy, translation #2273310 by CK
- Was ist mein Name?What is my name?This sentence shows how to ask a question using mein Name.Tatoeba #13048299 by Vortarulo, translation #12975760 by jeremyisggg
- Mein Name ist Hase.My name is Hase.This sentence shows how to use mein Name in a simple statement.Tatoeba #560377 by samueldora, translation #638756 by CN
- 98 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are introducing themselves at a party.
- LukasHallo, mein Name ist Lukas.Hello, my name is Lukas.
- SarahFreut mich, Lukas! Ich bin Sarah.Nice to meet you, Lukas! I am Sarah.
- LukasSchön, dich kennenzulernen, Sarah.Nice to meet you, Sarah.
- SarahGleichfalls! Woher kommst du?Likewise! Where are you from?
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (mein, Name) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
