Bite 1: How to introduce yourself in German
German in 100 bites by Dr. Mitar Pitzek
Bite 1:
How to Introduce Yourself in German
(A1 Level)
Introduction: When learning a new language, one of the most practical skills is knowing how to introduce yourself. In German, this not only helps in everyday conversations but also gives you confidence in using the language. In this article, I’ll walk you through the basics of introducing yourself in German with English explanations and exercises.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Start with a Greeting and Your Name
In German, just like in many other languages, it’s common to start with a greeting. Depending on whether the situation is formal or informal, the way you greet and introduce yourself changes.
- Formal: “Guten Tag, mein Name ist Mitar Pitzek.”
- Informal: “Hallo, ich heiße Mitar.”
Tip: In formal situations, Germans use “Herr” or “Frau” plus the last name (e.g., Herr Pitzek). In informal settings, first names are enough.
Exercise 1:
Translate these English greetings into German:
- Hello, my name is Anna.
- Good morning, I’m John.
- Hi, I’m Laura.
2. Where You Come From
One of the first follow-up questions when you introduce yourself might be about your origins. In German, it’s very simple to express this:
- “Ich komme aus Österreich.” (I come from Austria.)
- “Ich bin aus den USA.” (I am from the USA.)
Exercise 2:
Fill in the blank in German:
- I come from Brazil = Ich komme aus ________.
3. Where You Live Now
Now that you’ve mentioned where you’re from, the next natural step is to say where you currently live.
- “Ich wohne in Wien.” (I live in Vienna.)
- “Ich lebe in Deutschland.” (I live in Germany.)
Difference between “wohnen” and “leben”:
- Wohnen: Used more often for specific locations (cities or houses).
- Leben: A broader term for living in a country or generally existing.
Exercise 3:
Translate these sentences:
- I live in Berlin.
- I currently live in Vienna.
4. Your Job or Studies
Talking about what you do is also a key element in self-introductions. Whether you are working or studying, there are simple ways to express this:
- “Ich bin Ingenieur.” (I am an engineer.)
- “Ich studiere Architektur.” (I study architecture.)
Grammar tip:
Unlike English, in German, we don’t use the article (a/an) when talking about professions:
- “Ich bin Lehrer.” (I am a teacher.) NOT: Ich bin ein Lehrer.
Exercise 4:
What would you say in German for these professions
- I am a doctor.
- I study economics.
5. Talking About Your Hobbies
Now, let’s add a personal touch to your introduction by talking about hobbies or interests:
- “In meiner Freizeit gehe ich gern wandern.” (In my free time, I like to go hiking.)
- “Ich interessiere mich für Musik.” (I am interested in music.)
Exercise 5:
Match the hobbies to the correct German sentences:
- I like to swim. (1) Ich schwimme gern.
- I enjoy cooking. (2) Ich koche gern.
- I am interested in history. (3) Ich interessiere mich für Geschichte.
6. Practice Makes Perfect
Pro-tip: Whenever you meet new people in Vienna, don’t hesitate to practice! Whether at a café, in your German course, or at social events, introducing yourself gives you a great opportunity to practice speaking. The more you use these phrases, the more confident you’ll become.
Bonus Tip from Dr. Pitzek
At the INNES Institute Vienna, we understand that learning a language is more than memorizing vocabulary—it’s about connecting with people. Our courses offer you the opportunity to practice speaking in small, interactive groups, making the process of introducing yourself in German effortless. So, if you want to improve your skills, why not join us for an immersive language experience?
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