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]. You can reuse that pattern in questions like [Kommen Sie?] or [Haben Sie...?].
🇩🇪 In Germany: This is the safe default with strangers in Germany, including shop staff and drivers. Using [du] first can feel too familiar.
Phrase Breakdown
Sprechen
[SHPREKH-en]
speak
A verb meaning to speak; often used in polite questions.
Sprechen Sie Englisch? Ich brauche Hilfe.
Do you speak English? I need help.
Sie
[zee]
you
Formal 'you' used when addressing strangers politely.
Können Sie, wenn nötig, auf Sprechen Sie Englisch? freundlich antworten?
Can you, if necessary, answer politely to 'Do you speak English?'
Englisch
[ENG-lish]
English
The language English; often used when asking about language ability.
Im Hotel frage ich: Sprechen Sie Englisch?
At the hotel I ask: Do you speak English?
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