Telling your name

Telling Your Name in German – Lesson Overview

This lesson is designed for beginners (A1 level) learning how to introduce themselves and others in German. It covers essential vocabulary, phrases, and sentence structures to confidently state your name, ask about someone else's name, and engage in polite greetings, which are fundamental skills for everyday communication.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

• der Name – the name
• der Vorname – the first name
• der Nachname – the last name, surname
• die Anrede – the form of address (e.g., Herr, Frau)
• Wie heißt du? – What is your name? (informal)
• Ich heiße... – My name is...
• Freut mich! – Nice to meet you!

Pronunciation and Spelling

The lesson introduces the German alphabet with a focus on pronunciation, helping you to spell names correctly. For example, phrases like "Wie buchstabiert man deinen Vornamen?" (How do you spell your first name?) encourage practice with the alphabet and help ensure clear communication.

Common Dialogue Situations

You will find examples of conversations in everyday settings, such as at the office, café, or meeting new neighbors, which provide realistic contexts for practicing your new skills:

• Guten Tag, Herr Müller! Wie ist Ihr Nachname?
• Ich heiße Anna Weber. Und Sie?
• Freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen.

Grammar Highlights

Focus is placed on the conjugation of the verb heißen (to be called) in the present tense, as it is essential for introducing yourself and asking names:

• ich heiße
• du heißt
• er/sie/es heißt
• wir heißen
• ihr heißt
• sie/Sie heißen

Word Groups for Better Understanding

The vocabulary is grouped into categories for easier memorization:

• People and names: der Herr, die Frau, der Vorname, der Nachname, der Name
• Communication functions: die Anrede, die Frage, die Antwort

Differences Between English and German in Introducing Yourself

In German, formal and informal forms of address are important. For example, Sie (formal 'you') is used with titles and last names in polite conversation, while du (informal 'you') is used among friends or peers. English does not distinguish between formal and informal 'you,' so paying attention to this can improve your language etiquette.

Also, in German you often ask Wie heißen Sie? or Wie heißt du? (literally, "How are you called?"), while in English, "What is your name?" is standard. The verb heißen directly translates to "to be called," which is a useful phrase to remember.

Useful expressions to practice include:

• Ich heiße... – My name is...
• Wie heißen Sie? – What is your (formal) name?
• Wie heißt du? – What is your (informal) name?
• Freut mich! – Nice to meet you!