How to Say ‘Do you speak English?’ in German
Sprechen Sie Englisch?
SHPRE-khen zee ENG-lish
[SHPRE-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
[SHPRE-khen]
speak / talk
Verb used for conversation and communication.
Wir sprechen viel miteinander.
We talk a lot with each other.
Sie
[zee]
you (formal)
Formal pronoun Sie used to address one person politely.
Kommen Sie bitte herein.
Please come in.
Englisch
[ENG-lish]
English
The English language; capitalized as a noun.
Ich lerne Englisch.
I am learning English.
Guides for German learners
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 LessonWhat 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