German Phrase
Wie heißt du?
Meaning
Literally 'How are you called?', this is the everyday informal way to ask someone their name in German. It uses the verb 'heißen' and the informal pronoun 'du'.
When to use
Use this phrase with people you already know or when the conversation is clearly informal – friends, classmates, children, or in casual social settings. In a formal context you would say 'Wie heißen Sie?'.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Wieheißtdu?
Wie (interrogative adverb)
Used to ask 'how' or 'what', it starts a question and does not change form.
heißen (verb)
The verb means 'to be called'. In the present tense, 2nd person singular is 'heißt'.
du (informal pronoun)
The informal singular 'you'. It is used with friends, peers, or children; never with strangers in formal settings.
Verb‑subject order
In German yes‑no and wh‑questions, the verb moves to the second position, so 'Wie' is followed directly by the verb 'heißt'.
🗨In Conversation
Wie heißt du?
What’s your name?
Ich heiße Anna.
My name is Anna.
✕Common Mistakes
Wie heißt Sie?
Mixes the informal verb form with the formal pronoun; use 'Wie heißen Sie?' for formal address.
Wie ist du?
Incorrect verb; the verb must be 'heißen', not 'sein' (to be).
Wie heißt du du?
Duplicate pronoun; only one 'du' is needed.
↔Alternatives
Wie ist dein Name?
What is your name?
Wie heißen Sie?
What’s your name? (formal)
Wie nennt man dich?
What do they call you?
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries, asking for a name usually follows a brief greeting. Using 'du' signals familiarity; if you’re unsure, start with the formal 'Sie' and wait for the other person to invite you to use 'du'. Also, Germans often give only their first name unless the situation calls for a full name.