Sie
/ziː/
The German phrase for "you (formal)" is Sie.
Sie is the most common and widely accepted formal way to address someone in standard German.
Which one should you use?
Unlike the informal du, the formal Sie can be used to address either one person or multiple people.
How does it change in a sentence?
In written German, Sie is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence. When using Sie to address one person, you must still use the plural verb form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ziː/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the singular verb form with Sie when addressing one person. However, you must always use the plural verb form.
Did you know?
- Switching from Sie to du is a significant social milestone in Germany called das Du anbieten. Traditionally, only the person of higher social status or age can offer this transition.
- Using Sie with someone who expects du can be interpreted as a 'cold' gesture, intentionally creating emotional distance or signaling a disagreement.
Examples in context
- Wie geht es Ihnen?How are you?
- Ich danke Ihnen für Ihre Hilfe.I thank you for your help.
- Können Sie mir helfen?Can you help me?
- Woher kommen Sie?Where do you come from?
- Ich möchte, dass Sie das lesen.I want you to read this.
Example conversation
Laura is meeting Lukas, a new client, at an office.
- LauraGuten Tag, sind Sie Herr Wagner?Good day, are you Mr. Wagner?
- LukasJa, das bin ich. Guten Tag.Yes, that is me. Good day.
- LauraFreut mich, Sie kennenzulernen.Pleased to meet you.
- LukasGleichfalls, Frau Becker.Likewise, Ms. Becker.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Sie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Sie, sie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
