freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen
The English phrase "pleasure to meet you" is translated into German as freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen.
This phrase is a polite expression used to convey that you are happy to meet someone for the first time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen literally translates to "pleases me to get to know you".
Which one should you use?
While freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen is a full sentence, the shortened version Freut mich is a very common and more casual way to say the same thing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form Sie kennenzulernen is used when addressing one or more people formally. To use the phrase with someone you are on a first-name basis with, replace Sie with dich, resulting in Freut mich, dich kennenzulernen.
When do people say it?
A common and polite way to respond when someone says freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen is Ganz meinerseits, which means "The pleasure is mine".
Did you know?
- The word kennenzulernen is a combination of 'knowing' and 'learning', suggesting that meeting someone is a process of discovery rather than a single event.
- While English speakers often shake hands while saying 'pleasure to meet you', a firm handshake in Germany is considered a critical signal of reliability and professionalism.
- The formal pronoun Sie used in the phrase only became capitalized in the 17th century. This was done specifically to prevent confusion between the formal 'you' and the third person plural 'they' (sie).
Examples in context
- Es freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen!It's a pleasure to meet you.This sentence shows the use of the formal freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen.Tatoeba #811964 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1841610 by CK
- Es freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen. Mein Name ist Anna Müller.It pleases me to get to know you. My name is Anna Müller.
- Sehr erfreut, Sie kennenzulernen. Ich habe viel Gutes über Ihr Unternehmen gehört.Very pleased to meet you. I have heard many good things about your company.
- Freut mich, dich kennenzulernen. Dein Bruder hat so viel von dir erzählt.Pleased to meet you. Your brother has told so much about you.
- Schön, dich zu treffen. Ich hoffe, wir werden uns gut verstehen.Nice to meet you. I hope we will get along well.
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian meet for the first time at a business conference.
- SarahGuten Tag, ich bin Sarah.Good day, I am Sarah.
- JulianHallo Sarah, ich bin Julian. Freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen.Hello Sarah, I am Julian. Pleasure to meet you.
- SarahGanz meinerseits, Herr Julian.The pleasure is mine, Mr. Julian.
- JulianVielen Dank.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Sie, mich, sie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
