Meaning
Asking for someone's age in an informal context.
Cultural Background
Directness is appreciated, but age is personal. Similar to Germany, but slightly more formal in initial meetings. The 'du' form is used more quickly than in Germany. Often more reserved; wait for a conversation to start.
The 'Du' Rule
Always use 'du' for friends. If you aren't sure, use 'Sie' until they say 'Du kannst du sagen'.
Don't be rude
Asking age to a stranger in a formal setting is a social faux pas.
Meaning
Asking for someone's age in an informal context.
The 'Du' Rule
Always use 'du' for friends. If you aren't sure, use 'Sie' until they say 'Du kannst du sagen'.
Don't be rude
Asking age to a stranger in a formal setting is a social faux pas.
Add 'denn'
Adding 'denn' makes the question sound much more natural and friendly.
Test Yourself
Complete the question.
Wie alt ____ du?
'Du' requires the second-person singular conjugation 'bist'.
Which is correct for a friend?
Wie alt bist du? vs Wie alt sind Sie?
Use 'du' for friends.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ____? B: Ich bin 20.
The answer provides an age, so the question must be about age.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
Talking to your boss.
Bosses require formal 'Sie'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWie alt ____ du?
'Du' requires the second-person singular conjugation 'bist'.
Wie alt bist du? vs Wie alt sind Sie?
Use 'du' for friends.
A: ____? B: Ich bin 20.
The answer provides an age, so the question must be about age.
Talking to your boss.
Bosses require formal 'Sie'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, use 'Wie alt sind Sie?'
Not among friends, but be careful with strangers.
'Bist' is for 'du', 'ist' is for 'er/sie/es'.
Use 'Wie alt sind Sie?'
Only in a statement, not a question.
Just 'Wie alt?' works in very casual settings.
In letters, yes. In texts, it's optional.
Ich bin [number] Jahre alt.
The structure is the same.
'Alt' means old, 'groß' means tall/big.
Yes, it's standard.
No, the grammar stays the same.
Related Phrases
Wie alt sind Sie?
contrastHow old are you? (formal)
Wie alt seid ihr?
similarHow old are you all?
Ich bin ... Jahre alt.
builds onI am ... years old.
Wie alt ist er?
similarHow old is he?
