Meaning
To state one's own name.
Cultural Background
In Germany, it is common to introduce yourself with your last name only in professional or semi-formal settings, e.g., 'Ich heiße Schmidt'. Austrians often use titles (Magister, Doktor) even in introductions. You might hear 'Ich heiße Dr. Gruber'. In Swiss German, the verb 'heißen' is used, but the pronunciation of the 'ei' and 'ß' can vary significantly from Standard German. Bavarians frequently use the definite article before a name, which sounds very regional and informal.
The 'ß' Secret
If you can't type 'ß', you can write 'ss' (heisse), but 'ß' is the correct standard German spelling.
No 'ist'!
Never say 'Ich heiße ist'. It's like saying 'I am called is' in English.
Meaning
To state one's own name.
The 'ß' Secret
If you can't type 'ß', you can write 'ss' (heisse), but 'ß' is the correct standard German spelling.
No 'ist'!
Never say 'Ich heiße ist'. It's like saying 'I am called is' in English.
First vs Last
In a formal setting, always use your last name with 'Herr' or 'Frau'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'heißen'.
Hallo, ich _______ Peter. Und wie _______ du?
For 'ich', the ending is '-e' (heiße). For 'du', the ending is '-t' (heißt).
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
How do you introduce yourself formally?
You do not need 'ist' or 'bin' when using 'heiße'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Guten Tag, wie heißen Sie? B: Guten Tag, _________ Müller.
'Ich heiße' is the standard response to 'Wie heißen Sie?'.
Match the introduction to the context.
1. 'Ich bin der Tom.' 2. 'Mein Name ist Thomas Weber.'
'Ich bin der...' is very casual, while 'Mein Name ist...' with a full name is formal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHallo, ich _______ Peter. Und wie _______ du?
For 'ich', the ending is '-e' (heiße). For 'du', the ending is '-t' (heißt).
How do you introduce yourself formally?
You do not need 'ist' or 'bin' when using 'heiße'.
A: Guten Tag, wie heißen Sie? B: Guten Tag, _________ Müller.
'Ich heiße' is the standard response to 'Wie heißen Sie?'.
1. 'Ich bin der Tom.' 2. 'Mein Name ist Thomas Weber.'
'Ich bin der...' is very casual, while 'Mein Name ist...' with a full name is formal.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! You can say 'Meine {die|f} Katze heißt Luna'.
It is neutral. It works in both settings, but the name you follow it with (first or last) determines the formality.
'Mein Name ist' is slightly more formal and common on the phone. 'Ich heiße' is more common in person.
You can use 'ss' as a substitute: 'heisse'.
Yes, 'Das heißt...' is the standard way to say 'That means' or 'I mean'.
In standard German, no. In some dialects (like Bavarian), people say 'Ich bin der...', but it's better to avoid this as a learner.
It is a 'strong' verb, but in the present tense, it looks mostly regular except for the 'ß' in the 'du' form.
No, for jobs use 'Ich bin [Job]'. 'Ich heiße' is only for names.
It means 'What is your name?' (informal).
No! 'ß' is a double-s sound. 'B' is a 'b' sound. Don't confuse them!
Related Phrases
Wie heißen Sie?
similarWhat is your name? (Formal)
Mein Name ist...
synonymMy name is...
Ich bin...
synonymI am...
Freut mich
builds onPleased to meet you
Das heißt...
specialized formThat means...
