How to Say ‘Do you speak English?’ in German
Sprechen Sie Englisch?
SHPREKH-en zee ENG-lish
[SHPREKH-en zee ENG-lish]
💬 Usage Tip: [Sie] takes the same verb form as [sie] (they): [sprechen], not [sprichst]. The same pattern shows up in [Können Sie ...?] and [Haben Sie ...?].
🇩🇪 In Germany: This is the safe default with strangers, staff, and older adults. Starting with [du] can feel too familiar unless the other person clearly invites it.
Phrase Breakdown
Sprechen
[SHPREKH-en]
speak
A verb used when asking about language ability.
Sprechen Sie Englisch? Ich brauche Hilfe.
Do you speak English? I need help.
Sie
[zee]
you
The formal pronoun 'you,' used politely with strangers.
Sprechen Sie Englisch?
Do you speak English?
Englisch
[ENG-lish]
English
The language English.
Sprechen Sie Englisch oder Deutsch?
Do you speak English or German?
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