Sie and du

In German, there is both the formal and informal versions of saying you. In the United States, we have the one, but know the difference in respect when we are addressing our superiors and when we are addressing our equals. The German use of the informal du, is towards friends and family, whereas the formal Sie, is used when addressing superiors, strangers, and those demand respect such as a boss or stranger. Sie is used in conversation unless stated otherwise, much like in the US, when we use Mr. and Mrs. with the last name of the individual we are addressing, which is also seen in German. Sie is also used when addressing an elder. In German, respect is a large part of speech, much like in America, but the overall manner of addressing strangers, may differ. In German, the formal Sie is used until stated otherwise, but in English, a stranger may be addressed in many ways, some nice and formal, but some not so nice or formal. The most commonly used is Sie, because du is reserved for friends and family. The transition from Sie to du, is proposed by the more respected person. For example, a child and parent are speaking, the parent would offer not the child. I think the formality of the German language is something we need in most countries, even if it is only a formality, it adds an aspect of respect between speakers. The shift between Sie and du, can influence an entire conversation.

Sources: http://german.stackexchange.com/questions/6798/what-is-the-polite-way-to-ask-if-i-should-talk-in-sie-or-du-terms-with-the-p

http://german.about.com/library/anfang/blanfang02.htm

http://bibliobrary.net/2010/01/04/when-to-use-du-and-sie/