QUIZ: Sie, du, ihr

Answer Key

This quiz is based on this article by your Guide: You and thou, Sie und du. If you scored less than 70% on this quiz, you may want to re-read the article.

ANSWERS - Correct answers are shown in bold type.

DU IHR SIE - Which German form of YOU is correct?

1. Talking to an adult you only know casually or have just met. Sie

2. Talking to several family members or relatives. ihr

COMMENT: More than one! Addressing one person would be du.

3. Talking to Frau Schmidt on the phone. Sie

4. Writing a business letter. Sie

5. Talking to your neighbor's dog. du

COMMENT: "Man's best friend" or any pet is always du.

6. Addressing God, as in a prayer. du

COMMENT: Students often question this answer, but they need to remember that English (and most languages) addresses God with THOU and THY, words that are related to German du. "Hallowed be Thy name..."

7. Talking with two good friends of yours. ihr

COMMENT: More than one!

8. Talking to a colleague at work. Sie

COMMENT: A German working relationship, even a long one, does NOT mean you can use "du"! Some Germans work together for years without ever using "du." English-speakers should not transfer their own ideas of cultural correctness onto Germans. What works in the US, Britain, or Canada may not be suitable in Germany. Germans make a more clear distinction between a "colleague" (SIE) and a close "friend" (DU).

9. Talking to the children of a co-worker. ihr

COMMENT: More than one child!

10.Writing a letter to a good friend. du

Thanks for trying our quiz! Hope it helped you learn something about the formal and familiar "you" in German.

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