🇩🇪 Making Small Talk in German
Germans are often seen as direct — but they do make small talk. Here's how to do it naturally in German.
📝 Key phrases
| 🇩🇪 German | 🇬🇧 Translation |
|---|---|
| Wie geht es Ihnen? | How are you? (formal) |
| Woher kommen Sie? | Where are you from? |
| Was machen Sie beruflich? | What do you do for a living? |
| Wohnen Sie schon lange hier? | Have you lived here long? |
| Das Wetter ist schön heute! | The weather is nice today! |
| Haben Sie am Wochenende etwas vor? | Do you have plans for the weekend? |
| Es war schön, mit Ihnen zu sprechen! | It was nice talking to you! |
| Ich bin zum ersten Mal hier. | This is my first time here. |
| Können Sie mir etwas empfehlen? | Can you recommend something to me? |
| Schönen Tag noch! | Have a nice day! |
Cultural tip
Germans generally use "Sie" (formal you) with strangers and colleagues. Only switch to "du" (informal) when the other person offers it — usually by saying "Wir können uns duzen" (We can use du).
Common mistake
Don't ask Germans about their income or how much they pay in rent — these are considered very private topics, even more so than in English-speaking countries.
💬 Conversation with Emma
E
Hallo! Wie geht es Ihnen?
Hello! How are you?
You
Gut, danke! Und Ihnen? Woher kommen Sie?
Good, thanks! And you? Where are you from?
E
Aus München! Und Sie?
From Munich! And you?
You
Ich komme aus den USA. Ich bin zum ersten Mal hier.
I'm from the US. This is my first time here.
E
Oh, willkommen! Das Wetter ist schön heute.
Oh, welcome! The weather is nice today.
You
Ja! Haben Sie am Wochenende etwas vor?
Yes! Do you have plans for the weekend?
E
Vielleicht ein Spaziergang im Park. Es war schön, mit Ihnen zu sprechen!
Maybe a walk in the park. Nice talking to you!
You
Schönen Tag noch!
Have a nice day!
Practice this situation out loud
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