Mastering the Nuances: Formal vs Informal German Language
Learn when to use formal vs informal German with our expert guide!
The choice between formal and informal German depends largely on the relationship, social context, and age difference between the speakers.
When to use Formal German (Sie)
- Use formal German with people you do not know well, such as strangers or new acquaintances.
- It is common with older people, people in positions of authority (e.g., police), or in professional/business settings such as with clients, bosses, or colleagues initially.
- Formal language shows respect and politeness and creates a polite distance.
- When in doubt, especially as a learner or tourist, starting with formal German is safer.
- The formal pronoun is “Sie” (always capitalized) and conjugates verbs accordingly.
When to use Informal German (du, ihr)
- Informal German is used with family, close friends, and children.
- Also common among people the same age or younger in casual, familiar settings.
- Colleagues or friends may switch to informal over time once the relationship allows it, usually initiated by the older or higher-ranked person.
- Informal pronouns are “du” (singular you) and “ihr” (plural you).
- Informal speech signals closeness and friendliness.
Transitioning from Formal to Informal
- It’s polite to ask before switching to informal pronouns, using phrases like:
- “Wollen wir uns duzen?” (Shall we use informal ‘you’?)
- “Ist es okay, wenn ich du sage?” (Is it okay if I say ‘du’?)
- In some workplaces or social groups, informal usage starts quickly, but formal remains the default until invited to switch.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Formal (Sie) | Informal (du/ihr) |
|---|---|---|
| Relation | Strangers, older people, authority | Family, friends, children, peers |
| Context | Business, official, polite distance | Casual, close relationships |
| Age Difference | Used with older or unknown persons | Used with same age or younger |
| Politeness | Shows respect and distance | Shows closeness and familiarity |
| Switching etiquette | Wait for invitation or offer to switch | Can be used freely among close ones |
For learners and tourists, it is advisable to learn both forms and start with the formal form when addressing strangers or in business contexts, then adapt based on social cues or invitations to use the informal form.