du sprichst Deutsch
The English phrase "you speak German" is translated into German as du sprichst Deutsch.
This phrase is used to make a statement expressing that a person has the ability to speak the German language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the subject du (you), the conjugated verb sprichst (speak) and the object Deutsch (German).
Which one should you use?
The default form du sprichst Deutsch is the informal version. If you need to be formal, use Sie sprechen Deutsch.
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the statement into a question, swap the subject and the verb to get Sprichst du Deutsch?
Did you know?
- The word Deutsch is a distant linguistic relative of the Persian word tude, which means 'people' or 'nation'.
- In Germany, using du sprichst Deutsch with a stranger or a superior can be seen as an overstep of social boundaries. The choice between du and Sie often signals the exact level of social hierarchy or intimacy between two people.
Examples in context
- Du sprichst Deutsch, oder nicht?You speak German, don't you?This sentence is useful for asking if someone speaks German.Tatoeba #3231990 by Trebalor, translation #3231969 by Ricardo14
- Du sprichst Deutsch.You speak German.This sentence is useful for stating that someone speaks German.Tatoeba #3231965 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5087326 by CarpeLanam
- Du sprichst Deutsch, das ist toll!You speak German, that is great!
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are talking about his language skills.
- JuliaDu sprichst Deutsch, Julian?You speak German, Julian?
- JulianJa, ich lerne es seit einem Jahr.Yes, I have been learning it for a year.
- JuliaDas ist sehr beeindruckend.That is very impressive.
- JulianDanke, Julia.Thank you, Julia.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Deutsch, deutsch, du, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
