du heißt
The English phrase "your name is" can be translated into German as du heißt.
This phrase is used to state or ask about a person's name.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, du heißt means "you are called".
Which one should you use?
Although du heißt (you are called) is the most common way to express this idea, you can also use dein Name ist, which is a literal translation of "your name is". Both are grammatically correct.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing someone formally, use Sie heißen instead of du heißt.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often say du bist [Name] (you are [Name]). While this is grammatically correct, it can sound much more blunt and less natural than using du heißt in many social situations.
Did you know?
- The verb heißen can also mean 'to be called' in the sense of a requirement or command. For example, das heißt is used as 'that means' or 'that is to say'.
- In traditional German culture, using du with a stranger or superior was once considered a serious insult. This social barrier is known as the 'du-and-Sie' distinction.
- The word du is a direct linguistic relative of the archaic English word 'thou'. Both evolved from the same Proto-Germanic root meaning 'you'.
Examples in context
- Du heißt Tom, richtig?Your name is Tom, correct?This sentence is useful for confirming a person's name using du heißt.Tatoeba #5222997 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3392297 by CK
- Ich weiß, wie du heißt.I know what your name is.This sentence is useful for stating knowledge of what du heißt.Tatoeba #881922 by Esperantostern, translation #3628522 by MTC
- Er sagt, er wisse nicht mehr, wie du heißt.He says he doesn't remember what your name is.This sentence is useful for reporting that someone does not remember what du heißt.Tatoeba #12284643 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10367232 by DJ_Saidez
- Entschuldigen Sie, wie heißen Sie?Excuse me, what is your name?
- Hey, wie heißt du?Hey, what is your name?
- Sag mal, kannst du mir deinen Namen verraten?Hey, can you tell me your name?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Maximilian are meeting for the first time at a party.
- HannahEntschuldigung, du heißt Maximilian, oder?Excuse me, your name is Maximilian, right?
- MaximilianJa, genau. Und du heißt Hannah?Yes, exactly. And your name is Hannah?
- HannahRichtig, freut mich!Correct, nice to meet you!
- MaximilianGleichfalls, Hannah.Likewise, Hannah.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
