How to Say “Nice Meeting You” in German

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schön, Sie kennenzulernen
The German phrase for "nice meeting you" is schön, Sie kennenzulernen.
This phrase is a polite expression used when meeting someone for the first time. It is important to use this only when it is the very first time you are meeting a person. If you have met the person before, you should instead say schön, Sie zu sehen (nice to see you).

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is a shortened version of Es ist schön, Sie kennenzulernen, which literally means "nice to get to know you".

Which one should you use?

While schön, Sie kennenzulernen is the standard polite form, you can also use shorter versions like freut mich (pleased to meet you) in more casual settings.

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

The version using Sie is formal and appropriate for business settings, or when meeting elders and strangers. For informal situations, you should use Schön, dich kennenzulernen or Es war nett, dich kennenzulernen.

How does it change in a sentence?

To use the phrase with someone you are on informal terms with, replace the formal Sie with dich.

When do people say it?

When someone says this to you, a common and natural way to respond is to say gleichfalls, which means "likewise" or "the same to you".

Did you know?

  • The word schön is a linguistic relative of the English word 'sheen' and shares an ancient Proto-Germanic root describing brightness or beauty.
  • In very formal German introductions, a handshake usually accompanies schön, Sie kennenzulernen, and maintaining firm eye contact is considered a sign of respect rather than aggression.
  • The capitalized pronoun Sie was only introduced in the 17th century to distinguish the formal 'you' from the word for 'she' or 'they'.

Examples in context

  • Es war schön, Sie kennenzulernen.
    It was nice meeting you.
  • Schön, Sie kennenzulernen, Herr Schmidt.
    Nice meeting you, Mr. Schmidt.
  • Es ist wirklich schön, Sie kennenzulernen.
    It is really nice meeting you.

Example conversation

Sarah and Felix are meeting for the first time at a business conference.

  1. Sarah

    Guten Tag, mein Name ist Sarah Müller.
    Good day, my name is Sarah Müller.
  2. Felix

    Freut mich, ich bin Felix Weber.
    Pleased to meet you, I am Felix Weber.
  3. Sarah

    Schön, Sie kennenzulernen, Herr Weber.
    Nice meeting you, Mr. Weber.
  4. Felix

    Gleichfalls, Frau Müller.
    Likewise, Ms. Müller.

Sources

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Troy Daryl
Troy DarylHelp 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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