Question
Updated on
26 Apr 2015
- Spanish (Colombia)
-
German
Question about Germany
Is it rude to talk with "du" to strangers? even if it's obvious that you don't speak the language so well? is it offensive to speak german bad?
Is it rude to talk with "du" to strangers? even if it's obvious that you don't speak the language so well? is it offensive to speak german bad?
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- Country or region Germany
I guess no one would hate you for saying "Du" instead of "Sie" to strangers, especially if it's obvious that German is not your native language.
If you have the chance, though, always use "Sie", it's more polite and kind of expected of people to address strangers like that. You can ask if you could say "Du" to the stranger you're talking to ("duzen", verb), and after permission given, everything should be fine.
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- Country or region Norway
I agree with meuia. However, if you're in your 20s or early 30s and you're talking to people of the same age range, you can safely use "du". For manypeople of that age it feels a bit strange to be adressed with "Sie" by someone of their age.
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- Country or region Germany
- Country or region Germany
Yes, but do not call them "Du Arsch" or "Du Blödmann". Germans do not like to be insulted.
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