I'm trying to learn German and am having a hard time understanding the use of names. My understanding is when greeting or meeting someone that unlike english, the use of names in German would be considered impolite unless invited to do so? So using the last name only? Is it more formal? Less formal?
What are some common greetings you would use in this case assuming you don't know the person?
Help me understand.
Sincerely,
Mein Deutsch ist nicht besonders gut :P
Waschzuber2011-06-01T03:34:44Z
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I totally understand that these concepts are hard for a non-native to grasp. I will give you a ver short run-down, but please look up the section on German in the provided link.
Normal "formal" adressing, if you know the last name is always Herr/Frau $lastname. example: Guten Tag Herr Meier. (Hello (how are you) Mr. Meier). Guten Tag Frau Göckhan (Mrs. Göckhan) (the equivalent to Ms. - "Fräulein" is to AVOID! - its none of your business if she is married or not, so- big nono)
(now it becomes complex and a bit different form what wikipedia says):
Formal adressing applies to everyone above the age of 16 (thats the funny reason germans will ask for your age just casually), that you are NOT related to you in the following manner:
-Friends on "du"-terms -(direct and semi-direct)Relatives -know the person already, from them being below the age of 16 -Met first in a very informal location. (this reaches the arkward zone sometimes if you met again in business attire) -conversed first in all non-business chatter on the internet
to whom these apply is on "Du", which means you, and is similiar to english version of going onto first name base.
du Heinrich (you, Heinrich) du Aische
-> Sie terms are failsave, means: unless you know better you are supposed to be in formal mode, you will be corrected if your addresse feels otherwise
Just ensure that, anything you set on your automatic reaction, it does no longer deliver the influence that they're speakme to a truly-are living character. This applies to any language, no longer simply german