German Language Lesson: Introducing Yourself

Basics of Introducing Yourself

• 'Ich heiße' + [Name]
  • Meaning: I am called [Name].
  • Example: Ich heiße Ania.

Asking for Someone's Name

• Informal (same age): 'Wie heißt du?'

  • Meaning: What is your name?
  • Usage: Informal context, same age or younger.

• Formal (older/unknown person): 'Wie heißen Sie?'

  • Meaning: What is your name?
  • Usage: Formal context, older or not well-known individuals.
  • Note: 'Sie' is capitalized as it's the formal version of 'you'.

Alternatives to Introduce Yourself

• 'Mein Name ist...'
  • Equivalent to: My name is...
• 'Ich bin...'
  • Equivalent to: I am...

Cultural Context

• In social settings (e.g., parties, dinners), Germans often just say their names while shaking hands.
  • Example: 'Ania', 'John', 'Christine'.
  • No need to use 'Ich heiße' or 'Ich bin'.

Additional Questions

• 'Wer sind Sie?' (Formal)
  • Meaning: Who are you?
• 'Wer bist du?' (Informal)
  • Meaning: Who are you?
• 'Wie ist Ihr Name?' (Formal)
  • Meaning: What is your name?
  • Note: Use 'wie' (how) instead of 'was' (what) for politeness.

Homework (Hausaufgabe)

• Write your name in the comments in German.
• Use any of the learned ways to introduce yourself.