Guide: How to Say “Who Is This?” in German

Greetings language enthusiast! So, you want to know how to say “Who is this?” in German? Fantastic! I’ll guide you through the various ways you can ask this question, both formally and informally. Plus, I’ll sprinkle in some helpful tips, examples, and regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive right in!

Formal Ways to Say “Who Is This?”

When you want to maintain a polite and formal tone, especially in professional or unknown situations, you can use the following phrases to ask “Who is this?”:

1. Wer spreche ich?

“Wer spreche ich?” is a direct translation of “Who is speaking?” in German. This phrase can be used when answering the phone and you want to know the caller’s identity.

2. Wen habe ich am Apparat?

“Wen habe ich am Apparat?” is another common way to ask “Who is this?” when answering the phone. It’s a bit more formal and literally translates to “Whom do I have on the line?”

Informal Ways to Say “Who Is This?”

If you are in a casual or friendly setting, here are some informal phrases you can use to ask “Who is this?”:

1. Wer ist da?

“Wer ist da?” is a commonly used phrase in informal situations. It translates directly to “Who is there?” and can be used when someone is at your door or calling your name.

2. Wer bist du?

“Wer bist du?” is the informal version of “Who is this?” used when talking to someone you know well or addressing a single person. The literal translation is “Who are you?”

Regional Variations

German is spoken in various countries and regions, so it’s natural to find some variations in how the question “Who is this?” is asked. Here’s one regional variation:

1. Wer is’n da?

“Wer is’n da?” is a colloquial variation commonly heard in parts of southern Germany, especially in Bavaria and Swabia. This phrase is a contraction of “Wer ist den da?” and can be used in relaxed and familiar situations.

Useful Tips and Examples

1. Pay attention to gender and number

In German, it’s essential to consider gender and number when asking “Who is this?” Here are a couple of examples demonstrating this:

• Wer ist dieser Mann? – Who is this man?
• Wer sind diese Frauen? – Who are these women?

2. Be mindful of formal and informal pronouns

When addressing someone you don’t know well or in a formal setting, use the formal pronoun “Sie.” In informal settings or with people you are familiar with, use the informal pronoun “du.” For instance:

• Wer sind Sie? – Who are you? (formal)
• Wer bist du? – Who are you? (informal)

Practice Phrases

Now, let’s practice a bit with some phrases related to “Who is this?”:

• Entschuldigung, wer spreche ich? – Excuse me, who am I speaking to?
• Wer ist am Apparat, bitte? – Who is on the line, please?
• Hallo, wer ist da? – Hello, who is there?
• Wer bist du? Ich kann deine Stimme nicht erkennen. – Who are you? I can’t recognize your voice.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have now learned different ways to ask “Who is this?” in German. Remember to adapt your phrasing based on the level of formality and the context in which you are speaking. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll become even more confident with this question. Viel Glück (Good luck) with your German language journey!