Who you, a Guru? After you read these 1,044 German tips, you'll be one. But we're looking to recruit a Guru to blog, write a 101 tip German book, and become a leader of this community.
Hot topics for both consumers and webmarketers on WebmasterRadio.FM
Every Wednesday, 4PM Eastern.
August 21, 2009, Newsletter Issue #353: "Du" vs. "Sie"
1
Tip of the Week
If you speak some German, you will inevitably encounter the question whether you ought to address people as "Du" (informal) or "Sie" (formal). The key is your closeness with your contact. If it is an older person, it is always polite to address them as "Sie" - unless your contact offers the more informal "Du" to you first. The rule is that only ´superior´ people (e.g. those with more status, or older than you) can offer this. "Du" is very common among students in their twenties. There is also a tendency to use "Du" all over the workplace, but that does not change the existing hierarchy at all, thus it should be avoided. What is to be avoided at all cost is to get friendly with your co-workers/bosses at an "office party", switch to the "Du´ and carry it over to the normal office routines. Believe me, it just does not work.
2
About LifeTips
Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers
tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make
your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough
for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us
make-it-all happen.
LifeTips is part of ideaLaunch, the hub for a group of websites offering
solutions that help clients improve mind share, market share and profit online.
