German Phrase
Hi, hier ist Michael.
Meaning
A casual way to announce yourself, typically used at the start of a phone call, video chat or when entering a room. It translates to ‘Hi, this is Michael.’
When to use
Use it in informal settings with friends, classmates, or colleagues you already know. It’s perfect for virtual introductions, group calls, or when you want a friendly, low‑key greeting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Hi,hieristMichael.
Hi
An informal English‑style greeting that is widely used in German, especially among younger speakers.
hier
Literally ‘here’; in introductions it signals that the speaker is the one speaking (e.g., on a call).
ist
3rd‑person singular of the verb sein (‘to be’). It must agree with the subject that follows, here the name Michael.
Name placement
In German the name follows the verb ‘sein’ in introductions: ‘hier ist [Name]’.
🗨In Conversation
Hi, hier ist Michael.
Hi, this is Michael.
Hallo Michael, schön dich zu sehen!
Hello Michael, nice to see you!
✕Common Mistakes
ich ist Michael.
The verb ‘sein’ must agree with the subject; use ‘ich bin Michael’ instead.
Hier ich bin Michael.
When using ‘hier’, the verb comes before the name: ‘hier ist Michael’. ‘Hier ich bin…’ sounds unnatural.
Hi hier ist Michael.
A comma (or a short pause) separates the greeting from the introduction.
↔Alternatives
Hallo, ich bin Michael.
Hello, I am Michael.
Hey, hier ist Michael.
Hey, this is Michael.
Hi, ich heiße Michael.
Hi, my name is Michael.
Cultural Tip
‘Hi’ is very informal; if you’re unsure about the level of formality, use ‘Hallo’. The construction ‘hier ist [Name]’ is common on phone or video calls, while in face‑to‑face introductions Germans usually say ‘ich bin [Name]’ or ‘mein Name ist [Name]’. Remember to match the verb ‘sein’ with the third‑person singular when you use a name after it.