Survival German #11
Germans have clear social codes: when to say Sie vs du, why Sundays are silent, and how greetings work. Get these right and daily life gets much smoother. Here’s the etiquette and the German.
How it actually works
- Default to Sie (formal “you”) with strangers, officials, older people and at work. Switch to du only when invited („Wir können uns duzen“).
- Greet properly: a clear Guten Tag (or regional Moin in the north, Grüß Gott in the south), and say goodbye with Auf Wiedersehen or Tschüss.
- Respect Ruhezeit (quiet hours): no loud noise on Sundays, typically 10pm–6am, and often at lunchtime — no drilling or loud music that disturbs neighbours.
- Sundays and public holidays are rest days — shops are closed. Plan errands for Saturday.
- Be pünktlich (punctual). Arriving on time signals respect; a few minutes late deserves a quick apology.
The German you’ll need
Können wir uns duzen? — Shall we use “du” (informal)?
Guten Tag! / Auf Wiedersehen! — Hello! / Goodbye!
Entschuldigung, ich bin zu spät. — Sorry, I’m late.
Schönes Wochenende! — Have a nice weekend!
Wie geht es Ihnen? — How are you? (formal)
Gleichfalls! — You too / likewise!
Meeting a neighbour: a real dialogue
Nachbar: Guten Morgen! Sie sind neu hier, oder?
Good morning! You’re new here, right?
Anna: Ja, ich bin letzte Woche eingezogen.
Yes, I moved in last week.
Nachbar: Herzlich willkommen! Ich bin Herr Meyer.
Welcome! I’m Mr Meyer.
Anna: Freut mich. Ich heiße Anna.
Nice to meet you. I’m Anna.
Nachbar: Wir können uns gern duzen. Ich bin Klaus.
We can use “du” if you like. I’m Klaus.
Anna: Gern, Klaus! Eine Frage: Wann ist Ruhezeit?
Gladly, Klaus! One question: when are the quiet hours?
Nachbar: Sonntags den ganzen Tag und ab 22 Uhr.
All day Sunday and from 10 pm.
Anna: Gut zu wissen. Danke!
Good to know. Thanks!
Vocabulary
| Deutsch | English |
|---|---|
| siezen | to address formally (Sie) |
| duzen | to address informally (du) |
| die Ruhezeit | quiet hours |
| pünktlich | punctual |
| der Feiertag | public holiday |
| der Nachbar | neighbour |
| einziehen | to move in |
| höflich | polite |
| die Begrüßung | greeting |
Quick check
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Quick check
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Want small talk to feel natural instead of nerve-wracking? Rehearse real situations like this with a patient native tutor on italki — a little practice out loud changes everything.
Practise with a tutor on italki →Insider tips
- When unsure, use Sie. Let the other person offer the du — it’s often the older or more senior person’s call.
- Ruhezeit is taken seriously: avoid loud noise on Sundays and after 10pm, or expect a knock from the neighbours.
- Sundays are sacred rest days — nearly everything is closed, so shop on Saturday.
- Punctuality is respect. If you’ll be late, send a quick message.
- Regional greetings vary: Moin (north), Grüß Gott (south) — using the local one is a lovely touch.
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