Once you feel comfortable reading and pronouncing the German alphabet, an excellent next step for newcomers to the German language is memorizing short, helpful phrases in German. Short sentences like saying “My name is…” in German help you get a feel for creating your first German sentences.
You can give it a try now by saying Ich heiße, which means “My name is…” in German, followed by your name. These and other phrases to introduce yourself are easy to learn and use in formal and casual situations.
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When to say ‘My name is…’ in German culture
Much like in American culture, it’s natural and polite to say “My name is…” in German shortly after meeting someone new. Keep in mind that once someone has introduced themselves with a certain phrase, it’s best not to repeat that phrase yourself to avoid sounding repetitive. Instead, you can opt to simply say your name in response or use one of the phrases you’ll read about below.
Formal ways to introduce yourself in German
With the right words, the way you say “my name is” in German can be as polite and connecting as saying ‘good evening’ in German to a professional acquaintance. Nail your first impression and learn how to say “my name is” in German formally with the phrases here.
1. Ich heiße…
Your golden standard for introducing yourself in German should be Ich heiße (I am called). This is the standard, boilerplate way to say “my name is” in German and can be used in any context except for the most casual or informal settings.
- Ich heiße Robert. = I am called Robert.
2. Nennen Sie mich bitte…
As a polite request, you can say Nennen Sie mich bitte (please call me) followed by your name. Both the use of the formal Sie (you, formal) and bitte (please) add up to a phrase that’s perfect for introducing yourself to a new professional contact or starting a presentation meeting for a new client.
- Nennen Sie mich bitte Paula. = Please call me Paula.
3. Sie sprechen mit…
In the modern world, you often have to introduce yourself over the phone. When you get a call from a number you don’t recognize, you can answer the phone with Sie sprechen mit (You’re speaking with) followed by your name. This not only gives the caller your name, but also helps efficiently cut the conversation short if they called the wrong number by mistake.
- Sie sprechen mit Johann Becker. = You’re speaking with Johann Becker.
4. Mein Name ist…
For a more semi-formal approach, you can say mein name is (my name is) for a direct translation from the English “my name is.” While this phrase wouldn’t be ideal for the most formal of settings, it would be appropriate for introducing oneself to an elder or peer.
- Mein Name ist Jan Schäfer. = My name is Jan Schäfer.
Casual phrases to say ‘My name is…’ in German
There are plenty of contexts where a stiff introduction can seem out of place, like showing up to a skate park as an adult and using overly formal language with the teenagers there. When things seem a bit more “chill,” consider using one of the phrases below to show off your knowledge of cultural context.
1. Ich bin…
Say Ich bin (I am) in order to avoid repetition when someone else has introduced themselves first in casual settings or to remind someone of your name without overly flowery language. For instance, if someone says Ich heiße Rupert (I am called Rupert), you can respond with Ich bin (I am) followed by your name. This creates a more natural flow to the conversation.
- Frank! Ich bin Alex. Erinnerst du dich an mich? = Frank! I am Alex. Do you remember me?
2. Sag einfach…
When someone gets your name wrong, or perhaps you normally go by a shortened name, you can lightly correct them with sag einfach (just say) followed by whatever name you prefer to go by. Tone is important here, as a curtly spoken sag einfach can give the impression that you’re offended by what someone has called you.
- Jonathan? Nein, sag einfach “John.” = Jonathan? No, just say “John.”
3. Hier spricht…
As a casual way to answer your personal phone or when you’re picking up a call after work hours, you can keep it short and sweet with hier spricht (here speaks, this is) followed by your name.
- Ja, bitte. Hier spricht Claudia Bäcker. = Yes, please. This is Caroline Baker.
How to ask someone for their name in German
German question words work a little differently than those in English when asking someone for their name. In English, you ask someone “what” their name is. German, on the other hand, asks wie or “how” you are called with Wie heißt du? (What is your name?) in informal settings or Wie heißen Sie? (What is your name?) in formal contexts. Choosing the right formality for the conversation is as important to getting off on the right foot with an unfamiliar German speaker as knowing how to say “hello” in German.
For language enthusiasts out there who want to know more about German culture or need help with more advanced grammar topics like German possessive pronouns will feel at home with Rosetta Stone tutoring. Let a native expert help you reach your language goals!
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