In most cultures you are taught to always speak formally to elders and persons' of higher station. In America, we usually do this by referring to them by their last name and adding Mr. or Ms./Mrs. For example, your math professor's last name is Smith. When speaking to your professor you will either refer to them as professor Smith or Mr. Ms/Mrs. Smith. In Germany, they will use "Sie" when talking to a person of importance and use "du" when speaking to family members or friends. If you are using "Sie" you are speaking formally and if you are using "du" you are speaking informally. Until the person gives you their permission to use "du" when speaking to them, you must always use "sie" in a conversation.
Work Cited
http://www.pimsleurapproach.com/resources/german/grammar-guides/formal-informal/
http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic55311.html
I thought this post was very informative and the information was really helpful in understanding the differences.
ReplyDeleteI thought that it was a good point to say that you shouldn't use "du" unless whomever you're talking to allows it first.
ReplyDeleteIt was a good point, but I thought the more respected individual in the conversation proposed the use of du, for example a parent would propose over a child.
ReplyDelete