How do you say "Do you speak English?" in German?

"Do you speak English?" in German is "Sprechen Sie Englisch?". This phrase is commonly used in Germany.

🗣️🇬🇧

How to Say ‘Do you speak English?’ in German

Q: What does "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" mean in English?

"Sprechen Sie Englisch?" means "Do you speak English?" in English. Usage tip: [Sie] takes the same verb form as [sie] (they): [Sprechen Sie ...?], not [sprichst du ...?]. You'll see the same pattern in [Kommen Sie?] and [Haben Sie ...?].

Sprechen Sie Englisch?

shpreh-khen zee eng-lish

[shpreh-khen zee eng-lish]

💬 Usage Tip: [Sie] takes the same verb form as [sie] (they): [Sprechen Sie ...?], not [sprichst du ...?]. You'll see the same pattern in [Kommen Sie?] and [Haben Sie ...?].

🇩🇪 In Germany: This is the safe default with adults you don't know. Starting with [du] can feel too familiar unless the other person clearly invites it.

Phrase Breakdown

Sprechen

[shpreh-khen]

Do you speak English?

A question to know if someone can converse in English.

Example

Ich fragte 'Sprechen Sie Englisch?', um zu wissen, ob sie Englisch versteht.

I asked 'Do you speak English?' to know if she understands English.

Sie

[zee]

Do you speak English?

A question to know if someone can converse in English.

Example

Ich fragte 'Sprechen Sie Englisch?', um zu wissen, ob sie Englisch versteht.

I asked 'Do you speak English?' to know if she understands English.

Englisch

[eng-lish]

Do you speak English?

A question to know if someone can converse in English.

Example

Ich fragte 'Sprechen Sie Englisch?', um zu wissen, ob sie Englisch versteht.

I asked 'Do you speak English?' to know if she understands English.

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