Thursday, August 29, 2013
Guten abend! So this week we explored the dilemma of formal Sie and informal du. Unlike in The United States, Germany has two ways to say "you". This can cause a bit of confusion for foreigners. The use of Sie is primarily used within the business world and with strangers. Du is typically used with friends and family. However, according to dw website, (http://www.dw.de/the-du-sie-dilemma-in-german/a-16494631) even when invited to use a first name within the business realm, Sie is still the proper way to say "you". I found this to be very interesting. In our country we do have formalities such as: Ms. Mr. Sir and Ma'am. Unlike America though, it seems if the Germans are making it easier for one to offend another. Probably not helping the aggressive stereotype the German language receives. ~ John McAfee
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I thought it was interesting that in the business culture of Germany, it is still more polite to use "sie" even if the person you happen to be talking to gives you permission to use "du".
ReplyDeleteI like how you include a humorous truth ("Unlike America though, it seems if the Germans are making it easier for one to offend another. Probably not helping the aggressive stereotype the German language receives.") It really makes this post interesting.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was quite hilarious that you viewed this as another dilemma that could cause confusion and even hurt feelings. There are times in the English language where I've noticed others using informal titles to offend another. My principal in high school had a doctorate, but not being well-liked, many still referred to him as mister to put him down, as if his degree didn't matter.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that even after being offered to use each others first names you would still use Sie in the business world, great point!
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