Wer bist du?
The English phrase "who are you?" is translated into German as Wer bist du?
The phrase Wer bist du? is a way to ask for someone's identity. An alternative to this informal version is Wie ist dein Name?, which means "What is your name?" When someone asks you who you are, it is common to respond with Ich bin… followed by your name.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Wer bist du? literally means "Who are you?" The word Wer means "who", bist is the second-person singular form of sein (to be) and du is the informal singular "you".
Which one should you use?
While Wer bist du? is used for individuals, you should use Wer seid ihr? when asking the identity of a group of people you are on familiar terms with, such as friends or children. For formal situations, use Wer sind Sie? instead.
Did you know?
- In some traditional German settings, two people who have known each other for years may still use the formal Sie instead of the informal du. Switching to du is often a conscious social ritual called 'das Du anbieten'.
- While Wer bist du? is the direct translation, Germans often use Wer ist da? meaning 'Who is there?' when they hear a knock at the door. Using Wer bist du? in this context would sound strangely intimate or accusatory.
- The German word du is a direct relative of the archaic English word 'thou'. Both descend from the same Proto-Germanic root for the informal singular 'you'.
Examples in context
- Entschuldigung, wer bist du?Excuse me, who are you?
Example conversation
Lukas meets a stranger at a party.
- LukasWer bist du?Who are you?
- HannahIch bin Hannah.I am Hannah.
- LukasFreut mich, Hannah.Nice to meet you, Hannah.
- HannahGleichfalls, Lukas.Likewise, Lukas.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bist, du, wer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
