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Sie or du? – HearSay

German A2

Master the subtle rules of German politeness through interactive audio lessons. Practice speaking and listening on the go as you navigate professional and social etiquette.

Lessons

Meeting your new neighbors
Lukas moves into his new apartment building and introduces himself to the other residents.
Vocabulary
- der Nachbar (neighbor)
- die Nachbarschaft (neighborhood)
- sich vorstellen (to introduce oneself)
- fremd (unfamiliar)
- der Vorname (first name)
- der Nachname (last name)
Objectives
- Introduce yourself to neighbors
- Determine whether to use formal or informal pronouns
First day at work
Sabine welcomes Lukas to the company and explains the expected office etiquette.
Vocabulary
- der Kollege (colleague)
- der Chef (boss)
- die Höflichkeit (politeness)
- die Begrüßung (greeting)
- der Händedruck (handshake)
- siezen (to address with Sie)
Objectives
- Greet colleagues politely
- Use professional titles correctly in the workplace
Switching to the informal pronoun
During a team lunch, Sabine offers Lukas the informal 'du' and explains how the transition works.
Vocabulary
- duzen (to address with du)
- anbieten (to offer)
- annehmen (to accept)
- das Treffen (meeting)
- der Respekt (respect)
- locker (relaxed)
Objectives
- Accept an invitation to use informal language
- Understand when and how to switch to first names
Punctuality and keeping appointments
Lukas learns the hard way that being even slightly late to a meeting is considered rude.
Vocabulary
- die Pünktlichkeit (punctuality)
- der Termin (appointment)
- pünktlich (on time)
- sich verspäten (to be late)
- unhöflich (impolite)
- absagen (to cancel)
Objectives
- Schedule professional appointments
- Apologize properly for being late
Directness and personal privacy
Sabine and Lukas discuss the cultural preference for direct communication without invading personal space.
Vocabulary
- direkt (direct)
- ehrlich (honest)
- die Privatsphäre (privacy)
- der Abstand (distance)
- das Gespräch (conversation)
- privat (private)
Objectives
- Express yourself clearly and honestly
- Respect personal boundaries during conversation