The difference between Sie and du in German business: when do you make the switch?

The Dutch are quick to switch to first-name terms. In Germany, things are fundamentally different: the choice between Sie and du is an expression of respect, hierarchy and professional distance. Anyone who says 'du' too soon quickly comes across as impolite or amateurish.

The basic rule: always start with Sie

In every business context, from a job interview to the trade-fair floor, Sie is the starting point. This also applies if your conversation partner is the same age as you, and even if the atmosphere feels informal. German colleagues can work alongside each other for years and still politely keep addressing one another with Sie.

Who offers the du?

The switch to du is traditionally offered by the person in the more senior position, or, between equals, by the oldest. If your German manager says 'Wir können uns gerne duzen', that's the moment. Offering the du yourself to someone above you in the hierarchy is simply not done.

Watch out for regional and sector differences

• In start-ups, IT and creative sectors, du is increasingly the norm, including towards managers.

• In traditional sectors (banks, insurers, the legal profession, industry), Sie remains dominant.

• Northern Germany is generally more formal than the south; in Bavaria and Austria, people switch to du more quickly both in the mountains and in the workplace.

In doubt? Then mirror your conversation partner and stick with Sie until you're explicitly offered otherwise. Being politely too formal is always better than being unintentionally too familiar.

In our one-on-one business German training, you practise these kinds of situations with a certified trainer who knows German business culture from the inside, including the email conventions, forms of address, and the right tone for your sector.