The main difference between Du and Sie is that they are used formally and informally. Du is when you are more familiar with someone and they have given you permission to address them informally. Sie is used for someone you do not know as well, such as someone elderly or someone who is in a higher position than you at work. This can cause confusion because it can be hard to tell whether or not you can address someone with "Du" or "Sie." It would be very bad if you addressed someone informally, when you should not. Even though in German it can be confusing, it is still similar in other countries. We also address our elders or people we do not know with Mr./Mrs, because we do not want to disrespect anyone. It is easier in English because if we do incorrectly address someone, it would not be that offensive, where in German it would be a huge mistake. However, it is believed Germans have become more flexible with the use of "Du" and "Sie." It would definitely be easier if we did not have to make these different distinctions, but is the way of their culture and it would be best not to offend anybody.
http://www.dw.de/the-du-sie-dilemma-in-german/a-16494631
I never thought about how big of a mistake it would be to use the wrong form of "you" in Germany. Great point!
ReplyDeleteI really like that you pointed out the severity of the mistake if you address someone wrong in Germany. Also that it is not as big of a deal as in America if you were to address someone wrong.
ReplyDeleteYes I agree, it would be easier to not have to make these different decisions but like you said lets try not offend anyone.
ReplyDeleteI like how you tied in how other languages use something similar to du and sie. Plus showing how it would be a big mistake if you used the wrong one in german.
ReplyDelete