du
word
Definition
'Du' is the informal singular form of 'you' in German and some other languages, used when speaking to one person you know well. It is not an English word but used for reference in language learning.
Usage & Nuances
'Du' is used only in languages like German for informal, singular 'you.' In English, just 'you' is used for all singular and plural, formal or informal cases. When learning languages with 'du,' be careful with levels of formality and singular/plural distinctions: German 'du' (informal/singular), 'Sie' (formal/singular or plural), while English does not distinguish.
Example Sentences
In German, you use du with friends and family.
basic
Children in Germany often address their teachers with du in kindergarten.
basic
When someone offers you to switch to du, it means they're inviting you to be less formal.
natural
Older Germans might still prefer to use Sie instead of du even in casual settings.
natural
Making the switch from Sie to du usually happens after some time, not right away.
natural
You should not use du with strangers in German.
basic