How to Ask Someone's Name in German: Formal and Informal Phrases
Learn to ask someone's name politely in German. Master formal and informal questions like 'Wie heißen Sie?' and 'Wie heißt du?' with pronunciation and usage tips.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
Asking for someone's name is one of the first conversations you'll have in German. The key is choosing the right level of politeness. German distinguishes between formal situations (with strangers, officials, or elders) and informal ones (with friends, peers, or children). This lesson teaches you the exact phrases to ask 'What is your name?' in both registers, so you sound natural and respectful. You'll learn the verb 'heißen' (to be called), the difference between 'Sie' and 'du', and how to respond when someone asks you back. No prior grammar needed—just practical patterns you can use immediately.
By the end, you can…
- ask someone's name formally using 'Wie heißen Sie?'
- ask someone's name informally using 'Wie heißt du?'
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Wie heißen Sie?
What is your name? (formal)
vee HY-sen zee
Use with strangers, older people, officials, or anyone you address with 'Sie'. Standard in business and polite contexts.
Wie heißt du?
What is your name? (informal)
vee HYST doo
Use with friends, classmates, children, and people your age in casual settings. The 'du' form is singular informal.
Wie heißen Sie, bitte?
What is your name, please? (formal, extra polite)
vee HY-sen zee BIT-tuh
Adding 'bitte' softens the question. Common when checking in at a hotel, doctor's office, or on the phone.
Darf ich fragen, wie Sie heißen?
May I ask what your name is? (formal)
darf ikh FRAH-gen vee zee HY-sen
Very polite and indirect. Use when you want to be especially courteous, e.g., with a new client or a superior.
Wie heißt du denn?
So what's your name? (informal, friendly)
vee HYST doo den
The particle 'denn' adds a casual, curious tone. Use only with people you already know well or in relaxed settings.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core verb is 'heißen' (to be called). It works like English 'to be called', not 'to have a name'. The question word is 'wie' (how). So literally you ask 'How are you called?' The verb changes with the subject: 'Sie heißen' (you formal), 'du heißt' (you informal). Examples: 'Wie heißen Sie?' (formal), 'Wie heißt du?' (informal). To answer, say 'Ich heiße ...' or 'Mein Name ist ...'. Note that 'heißen' is a strong verb; its du-form is 'heißt', not 'heißst'.
When to use it
Use 'Sie' with strangers, authority figures, older people, and in professional settings. Use 'du' with friends, family, students, and children. If unsure, start with 'Sie'—the other person may offer 'du' by saying 'Wir können du sagen.' In southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, 'du' is more common even with acquaintances, but 'Sie' remains safe in formal contexts. For service staff, use 'Sie' unless they are clearly young and in a casual environment. Never mix 'Sie' and 'du' in the same sentence.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Guten Tag, wie heißen Sie?
Good day, what is your name?GOO-ten tahk, vee HY-sen zeeIch heiße Anna Schmidt. Und Sie?
My name is Anna Schmidt. And you?ikh HY-suh AH-nah shmit. unt zeeMein Name ist Peter Braun. Freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen.
My name is Peter Braun. Nice to meet you.mine NAH-muh ist PAY-ter brown. froyt mikh, zee KEN-nen-tsoo-ler-nenFreut mich auch, Herr Braun.
Nice to meet you too, Mr. Braun.froyt mikh owkh, hair brownA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, using the correct formal or informal address is important. 'Sie' shows respect and is standard with strangers, while 'du' signals familiarity. When someone offers 'du', you can switch. In Austria and Switzerland, 'Sie' is also used, but 'du' may be offered more quickly in casual settings. Avoid using 'du' with police, officials, or elderly people unless they invite it. A handshake is common in formal introductions, while friends may hug or just nod.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Wie ist dein Name?' as the default way to ask someone's name.
Try this instead: 'Wie ist dein Name?' is grammatically correct but sounds less natural than 'Wie heißt du?' in everyday German. It translates literally as 'How is your name?' and can sound like you're asking about the meaning or spelling. Prefer 'Wie heißt du?' for informal and 'Wie heißen Sie?' for formal. For example, say 'Wie heißt du?' when meeting a peer, not 'Wie ist dein Name?'.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1You are meeting your new boss. How do you ask her name politely?
Show a sample answer
Wie heißen Sie?
This uses the formal 'Sie' and the correct verb form 'heißen'. 'Wie heißt du?' would be too informal. 'Wie ist Ihr Name?' is also possible but less common in speech.
2A friend introduces you to their roommate. Ask the roommate's name informally.
Show a sample answer
Wie heißt du?
This uses the informal 'du' and the correct verb form 'heißt'. 'Wie heißen Sie?' would be too formal for a peer in a casual setting.
3You want to be extra polite when asking a client's name on the phone. What phrase can you use?
Show a sample answer
Darf ich fragen, wie Sie heißen?
This indirect question adds politeness. 'Wie heißen Sie?' is also correct but more direct. Both are acceptable; the longer form softens the request.
To ask a name in German, use 'Wie heißen Sie?' for formal and 'Wie heißt du?' for informal. Remember the verb 'heißen' and match 'Sie' or 'du' to the situation. When in doubt, start with 'Sie'.
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