German · Speaking · A1
How to Introduce Yourself in German
The handful of phrases you need to say who you are, where you are from, and where you live now.
Xmentra Learning TeamUpdated 10 August 20267 min read
The shape of a German introduction
A German introduction is shorter than most learners expect. Three sentences is a complete, natural one: who you are, where you are from, and where you live now. Anything else is optional.
Learn the three shapes, then swap your own details in. The structure stays fixed, which is exactly what makes it usable under pressure.
Saying your name
Ich heiße Anna.
My name is Anna.
Literally 'I am called Anna'. This is the version people actually use.
Mein Name ist Anna Weber.
My name is Anna Weber.
Slightly more formal — useful at a reception desk or an appointment.
Origin and where you live
These two get confused constantly, and the difference matters to the person listening.
Ich komme aus Indien.
I'm from India.
Your origin — country, region, or hometown.
Ich wohne in Leipzig.
I live in Leipzig.
Your life now. This is the one that usually opens a longer conversation.
Ich wohne auch hier.
I live here too.
'auch' means 'too'. A small word that turns an answer into common ground.
Returning the question
An introduction is an exchange, not a statement. Handing the question back is what keeps it going — and it is easy.
Und du?
And you?
Informal, warm, two words.
Woher kommst du?
Where are you from?
Wo wohnst du?
Where do you live?
Common mistakes
- Using "Ich komme aus" for your current city when you actually mean where you live now.
- Translating "My name is" word for word instead of using "Ich heiße".
- Delivering all three sentences at once and leaving no room for the other person to answer.
- Skipping the return question, which quietly ends the conversation.
Rehearse it once
Say your own version quietly, twice. Then add the return question at the end so it stops being a monologue.
Ich heiße …
My name is …
Ich komme aus …
I'm from …
Ich wohne in …
I live in …
Und du?
And you?
Common questions
- Should I say 'Ich heiße' or 'Mein Name ist'?
- 'Ich heiße' is the everyday choice and sounds natural in almost every situation. 'Mein Name ist' is slightly more formal.
- What's the difference between 'Ich komme aus' and 'Ich wohne in'?
- 'Ich komme aus' is where you are from. 'Ich wohne in' is where you live now. Travellers and new arrivals need both.
- Do I use 'du' or 'Sie' when introducing myself?
- 'Sie' with strangers in formal settings, 'du' with peers and in relaxed social ones. When unsure, 'Sie' is never rude.
Keep going
German · German A1 · A1
German A1: A Complete Beginner's Guide
What A1 German really covers, the order to learn it in, and how to know you are making progress.
Browse all Speaking guides or return to the German hub.