Meaning
Expressing pleasure upon meeting someone new.
Cultural Background
Germans value formal introductions. Using 'Sie' is a sign of respect that shouldn't be skipped. Austrians are often even more formal. Titles like 'Herr Doktor' are common. Swiss German speakers also use 'Sie' in formal settings, though they may switch to 'Du' faster in some regions.
The 'Sie' Rule
When in doubt, use 'Sie'. It is better to be too formal than too informal in German.
Eye Contact
Maintain steady eye contact while saying this phrase to show sincerity.
Meaning
Expressing pleasure upon meeting someone new.
The 'Sie' Rule
When in doubt, use 'Sie'. It is better to be too formal than too informal in German.
Eye Contact
Maintain steady eye contact while saying this phrase to show sincerity.
Test Yourself
Which pronoun is correct for a formal introduction?
Schön, ___ kennenzulernen.
In formal settings, always use 'Sie'.
Complete the phrase.
Schön, Sie ________.
The 'zu' must be inside the separable verb.
When do you use this phrase?
You are at a job interview. What do you say?
This is the most professional choice.
Match the register.
Match 'Schön, Sie kennenzulernen' to its register.
The use of 'Sie' makes it formal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSchön, ___ kennenzulernen.
In formal settings, always use 'Sie'.
Schön, Sie ________.
The 'zu' must be inside the separable verb.
You are at a job interview. What do you say?
This is the most professional choice.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The use of 'Sie' makes it formal.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, absolutely. Teachers are always addressed with 'Sie'.
It is polite, but usually 'Guten Tag' is enough.
It is a rule for separable verbs in the infinitive with 'zu'.
It sounds very strange. Always remember the formal pronoun.
Yes, it is standard across all German-speaking countries.
It is understandable but not idiomatic. Use 'kennenzulernen'.
About 10 minutes of practice.
Yes, if it's a party with friends. Use 'Freut mich' instead.
Related Phrases
Freut mich
synonymNice to meet you / Pleased to meet you.
Angenehm
similarPleasant.
Guten Tag
builds onGood day.
