🗣️🇬🇧

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]

to speak

The verb meaning to speak or talk.

Example

Ich wollte sprechen, weil das warme Wasser nicht funktioniert.

I wanted to speak because the hot water is not working.

Sie

[zee]

you (formal)

Formal pronoun Sie used to address one person politely.

Example

Kommen Sie bitte herein.

Please come in.

Englisch

[ENG-lish]

English

The English language; capitalized as a noun.

Example

Ich lerne Englisch.

I am learning English.

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.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Berlin bureaucracy requires real German. This app got me from zero to handling my Anmeldung appointment in three weeks. My coworkers couldn’t believe it.”

Emma L., 27, UX Researcher

“Relocated to Munich with my family. The everyday scenarios — grocery shopping, doctor visits, school meetings — are exactly what we needed to settle in.”

Marcus J., 40, Engineer

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer