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How to Say ‘What's your name?’ in German

Wie heißt du?

vee hyste doo

[vee hyste doo]

💬 Usage Tip: heißen means "to be called", so Germans ask how you are called, not what your name is. Answer with Ich heiße ....

Phrase Breakdown

Wie

[vee]

what

With 'ist' asking for a name or number, German uses 'wie' where English says 'what'.

Example

Wie ist dein Name?

What is your name?

heißt

[hyste]

are called

Form of 'heißen' (to be called) used with 'du'.

Example

Du heißt Anna, oder?

You're called Anna, right?

[doo]

the informal 'you' (du form)

As a noun, 'das Du' means the informal way of addressing someone.

Example

Wir sind jetzt per Du.

We now use first names / informal 'you'.

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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