Bedeutung
Polite inquiry for a name.
Kultureller Hintergrund
When asked 'Как вас зовут?', providing a patronymic (e.g., Ivanovich) is a sign of high education and respect in formal settings. Similar to Russia, the V-T distinction is very strong. Using the formal 'Ви' (Vi) is essential for strangers. In Russian-speaking contexts in Kazakhstan, 'Как вас зовут?' is used alongside traditional Kazakh naming customs, which also value elder respect. In modern Russian startups, 'ты' is becoming more common, but 'Как вас зовут?' is still the safest way to start until invited to be informal.
The 'How' Rule
Always remember that Russians ask HOW you are called, not WHAT your name is.
Don't be too 'ты'
When in doubt, always use 'вас'. It's never offensive to be too polite, but it is offensive to be too casual.
Bedeutung
Polite inquiry for a name.
The 'How' Rule
Always remember that Russians ask HOW you are called, not WHAT your name is.
Don't be too 'ты'
When in doubt, always use 'вас'. It's never offensive to be too polite, but it is offensive to be too casual.
Wait for the Patronymic
If someone answers with two names (e.g., Ivan Ivanovich), address them using both names to show respect.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word to make the phrase formal.
Здравствуйте! Как ___ зовут?
'Вас' is the formal accusative form required here.
Which question is most appropriate when meeting your new boss?
Meeting a new boss:
The formal 'вас' is necessary for professional respect.
Complete the dialogue.
— Извините, я не расслышал. Как вас зовут? — ...
The standard response to 'Как вас зовут?' is 'Меня зовут...'.
Match the phrase to the person you are speaking to.
1. A 5-year-old child, 2. A police officer
Children get 'тебя', officials get 'вас'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formal vs Informal
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenЗдравствуйте! Как ___ зовут?
'Вас' is the formal accusative form required here.
Meeting a new boss:
The formal 'вас' is necessary for professional respect.
— Извините, я не расслышал. Как вас зовут? — ...
The standard response to 'Как вас зовут?' is 'Меня зовут...'.
1. A 5-year-old child, 2. A police officer
Children get 'тебя', officials get 'вас'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenOnly if you are a clerk at a desk. In conversation, it sounds like a command.
Grammatically, yes. It can mean 'What are your names?' (to a group) or 'What is your name?' (formal singular).
Because 'имя' is a noun, but the standard Russian idiom uses the verb 'звать'.
Say 'Меня зовут...' followed by your name.
Yes, as long as you use the 'вас' form.
Say: 'Простите, я забыл, как вас зовут.'
Yes, it's polite to use 'вы' and 'вас' with service workers.
Usually, you would say 'Как я могу к вам обращаться?' (How may I address you?) in a formal email.
No, 'зовут' is always 3rd person plural ('they call'). It doesn't change based on your gender.
'Имя' is the noun 'name'. 'Зовут' is the verb 'they call'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Меня зовут...
builds onMy name is...
Как тебя зовут?
similarWhat is your name? (Informal)
Очень приятно
builds onNice to meet you
Познакомьтесь
relatedMeet [someone]
