Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| es freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen | |
| angenehm | /ˈʔanɡəˌneːm/ /ˈanɡeˌneːm/ |
This phrase is a polite formula used specifically during the moment of introduction. It is not used as a general way to express that you are happy to see someone you already know.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase es freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen literally translates to "it pleases me to get to know you".
Which one should you use?
angenehm is a much shorter, more clipped way to say "pleased to meet you" compared to the full sentence es freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
es freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen is a formal way to say "It pleases me to get to know you". The shorter angenehm is also used in formal social settings as a concise, polite greeting during an introduction.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the phrase from a formal tone to an informal one used with friends or peers, replace the formal Sie with the informal dich, as in es freut mich, dich kennenzulernen.
Did you know?
- The word angenehm shares an ancient root with the Sanskrit word namaste, both tracing back to a Proto-Indo-European concept of 'taking' or 'receiving' something.
- If you use angenehm in a very casual setting with peers, it can sound ironically stiff or like a joke because of its formal nature.
- The verb kennenzulernen is a 'separable' verb, but in this specific phrase, the prefix and the base stay together because it follows the word zu.
Examples in context
- Es freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen!I'm pleased to meet you.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are pleased to meet someone.Tatoeba #811964 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #63898 by CK
- Es freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen. Mein Name ist John. Wie geht es Ihnen?Pleased to meet you. My name is John. How are you?
- Schön, dich kennenzulernen. Ich bin Lisa. Gefällt dir die Veranstaltung?Nice to meet you. I'm Lisa. Are you enjoying the event?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah is being introduced to Felix at a professional networking event.
- SarahGuten Tag, Herr Schmidt. Es freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen.Good day, Mr. Schmidt. Pleased to meet you.
- FelixGuten Tag, Frau Weber. Ganz meinerseits.Good day, Ms. Weber. The pleasure is mine.
- SarahHaben Sie gut hierher gefunden?Did you find your way here easily?
- FelixJa, vielen Dank der Einladung.Yes, thank you very much for the invitation.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pleased to meet you” translations and entries angenehm, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Sie, angenehm, es, mich, sie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
