How to Say “Who Are You?” in German – Formal and Informal Ways

Guten Tag! So, you’re interested in learning how to say “Who are you?” in German? Great choice! German is a fascinating language with its own set of rules and customs. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to ask this question, as well as provide some tips, examples, and even a few regional variations. So, let’s dive right in!

1. Formal Way: “Wer sind Sie?”

If you want to ask someone you don’t know very well, or someone who is of higher status or older age, the formal way to say “Who are you?” in German is “Wer sind Sie?”. This phrase is polite and used in professional settings and initial encounters. Here’s an example:

Person A: Entschuldigen Sie, wer sind Sie?
Person B: Ich bin Herr Schmidt, der neue Kollege.

In this example, Person A uses the formal “Wer sind Sie?”, and Person B responds with their name and designation. Remember to address unknown people formally until given permission or familiarity allows otherwise.

2. Informal Way: “Wer bist du?”

If you’re asking a friend, family member, or someone you’re on familiar terms with, you can use the informal way to say “Who are you?” in German: “Wer bist du?” Here’s an example:

Person A: Hallo, wer bist du?
Person B: Ich bin Alex, dein neuer Nachbar.

In this example, Person A uses the informal “Wer bist du?” to ask Person B who they are, and Person B responds with their name and role as the new neighbor. It’s essential to note that using the informal way depends on the level of familiarity and comfort between the individuals.

3. Regional Variations

While the formal and informal ways mentioned earlier are widely used throughout the German-speaking world, there might be some regional variations in certain areas. Here’s an example of a regional variation:

Southern German Dialect (Bavaria): “Wer samma?”

In Bavaria, a region in Southern Germany, people often use the phrase “Wer samma?” to mean “Who are you?”. This is due to the local Bavarian dialect. Here’s an example:

Person A: Servus, wer samma?
Person B: Mia san die Neue im Viertel.

In this exchange, Person A uses the Bavarian dialect phrase “Wer samma?” to ask who Person B is, and Person B responds by saying they are the new ones in the neighborhood. It’s fascinating to see these regional variations within the German language!

Useful Tips and Phrases

1. Pay attention to gender:

In German, gender plays a significant role in conjugating verbs and choosing the appropriate form of address. When saying “Who are you?” to a man, use “Wer sind Sie?” (formal) or “Wer bist du?” (informal). When addressing a woman, change “Wer” to “Wer sind Sie?” (formal) or “Wer bist du?” (informal).

2. Be mindful of formalities:

If you’re unsure about the level of formality to use, it’s generally safer to start with the formal form, “Wer sind Sie?”. It shows respect and can easily transition into a more informal tone if appropriate.

3. Consider the context:

The appropriate way to ask “Who are you?” also depends on the setting and situation. For example, if you’re at a casual social gathering with friends, it may be more suitable to use the informal form. Always consider the surroundings and the relationship you have with the person you’re speaking to.

4. Combine with introductions:

When meeting someone for the first time, combining the question “Who are you?” with an introduction makes for a more natural conversation. For instance, “Entschuldigen Sie, wer sind Sie? Ich bin Lisa, die neue Praktikantin.”

5. Practice pronunciation:

As with any language, pronunciation is crucial. Pay attention to the correct pronunciation of words and phrases, especially in German, which has unique sounds and vowel combinations. Pronounce “Wer” as “ver,” “sind” as “zint,” “Sie” as “zee,” and “bist” as “bist.”

With practice, you’ll soon become comfortable using these phrases and asking “Who are you?” in German in various contexts.