24th August, 2009

“Sie” versus “du” part 2

posted 11 months ago

Your answers to “Sie” versus “du” part 1 were really good! :) So let’s summarize when to use Sie (formal) versus du (informal):

You use Sie when…:

- you’re talking to colleagues at work

- you’re talking to adults you’ve just met or complete strangers

- you’re in a business situations

- you use “Herr…/Frau…” to address to someone

- you weren’t invited to say “du”

- you’re not sure which one to use (it’s always better to stay on the safe side)

You use du when…:

- you’re talking to friends

- you’re talking to family members

- you’re talking to children

- you’re talking to your pet

- you’re talking to God (e.g. in a prayer)

- you are invited to say “du” instead of “Sie”

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