Significado
A polite way to ask about someone's country or city of origin.
Contexto cultural
The 'Sie' vs 'du' distinction is very important. Always start with 'Sie' unless invited to use 'du'. Asking 'Woher kommen Sie?' is a safe and polite way to show interest in a new acquaintance. Austrians may use titles (like 'Herr Magister') along with 'Sie'. 'Woher kommen Sie, Herr Doktor?' is a very common formal construction. In Switzerland, people are often very proud of their specific {der|m} Kanton. If you ask 'Woher kommen Sie?', they might name a small village or canton rather than 'Switzerland'. In creative or tech industries, the 'du' is becoming more common, but 'Woher kommen Sie?' remains the standard for first meetings with clients or older colleagues.
The 'Aus' Rule
Always answer with 'Ich komme aus...'. Don't forget the article for countries like {die|f} Schweiz or {die|f} Türkei!
Capitalization Matters
Always capitalize 'Sie' in emails or texts. Lowercase 'sie' means 'they' or 'she', which changes the meaning entirely.
Significado
A polite way to ask about someone's country or city of origin.
The 'Aus' Rule
Always answer with 'Ich komme aus...'. Don't forget the article for countries like {die|f} Schweiz or {die|f} Türkei!
Capitalization Matters
Always capitalize 'Sie' in emails or texts. Lowercase 'sie' means 'they' or 'she', which changes the meaning entirely.
Split it up
To sound more like a native speaker in casual-formal settings, try: 'Wo kommen Sie her?'
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct formal pronoun.
Woher kommen ______?
The question asks for the formal version, which is 'Sie'.
Which sentence is the most polite for a business meeting?
Asking a new client about their origin:
'Sie' is the required formal address in business.
Match the question to the correct answer.
Matching origins
Each question matches its logical answer.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Guten Tag. Mein Name ist Dr. Weber. B: Freut mich. ______ ______ ______?
Since A introduced themselves as 'Dr. Weber', B must use the formal 'Sie'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosWoher kommen ______?
The question asks for the formal version, which is 'Sie'.
Asking a new client about their origin:
'Sie' is the required formal address in business.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
Each question matches its logical answer.
A: Guten Tag. Mein Name ist Dr. Weber. B: Freut mich. ______ ______ ______?
Since A introduced themselves as 'Dr. Weber', B must use the formal 'Sie'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
5 preguntasYes, it is possible and means 'Where are you from?', but 'Woher kommen Sie?' is much more common and natural.
You can say both! 'Ich komme aus Paris' or 'Ich komme aus Frankreich'.
In a professional setting, it's fine after names are exchanged. In a very formal setting, wait for a natural break in the conversation.
You can say: 'Ich komme ursprünglich aus Italien, aber ich lebe jetzt in Deutschland.'
'Aus' implies coming out of a geographic area (like a country or city). 'Von' is used for specific points or people.
Frases relacionadas
Woher kommst du?
similarWhere are you from? (Informal)
Woher stammen Sie?
specialized formWhere do you originate from?
Wo wohnen Sie?
contrastWhere do you live?
Wohin gehen Sie?
contrastWhere are you going?
