German Phrase
Erzähl mir von deiner Familie.
Meaning
A friendly request asking someone to talk about their family. It’s informal and assumes a relatively close relationship between speakers.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual conversations with friends, classmates, or new acquaintances when you want to learn more about their family background. It’s not appropriate in very formal settings or with people you don’t know well.
✦Grammar Breakdown
ErzählmirvondeinerFamilie
Erzähl (imperative)
‘Erzähl’ is the du‑imperative of the verb ‘erzählen’ (to tell, to narrate).
mir (dative pronoun)
‘mir’ is the dative form of ‘ich’, used because the verb ‘erzählen’ takes an indirect object.
von (preposition + dative)
The preposition ‘von’ always governs the dative case, indicating the topic of the narration.
deiner (possessive + dative, feminine)
‘deiner’ is the feminine dative form of the possessive pronoun ‘dein’, matching ‘Familie’.
Familie (noun, feminine)
‘Familie’ is a feminine noun; in the dative it stays ‘Familie’ (no article needed after ‘von’).
🗨In Conversation
Erzähl mir von deiner Familie.
Tell me about your family.
Klar, ich habe zwei Schwestern und einen Bruder. Meine Eltern wohnen in Berlin.
Sure, I have two sisters and a brother. My parents live in Berlin.
✕Common Mistakes
Erzähl mir von dein Familie.
‘dein’ is nominative/accusative; after ‘von’ you need dative ‘deiner’.
Erzähle mir von deiner Familie.
‘Erzähle’ is the formal ‘Sie’ imperative; with a friend you need the informal ‘du’ form ‘Erzähl’.
Erzähl mir von dein Familie.
Both the possessive pronoun and the noun must be in dative: ‘von deiner Familie’.
↔Alternatives
Erzähl mir etwas über deine Familie.
Tell me something about your family.
Kannst du mir etwas über deine Familie erzählen?
Can you tell me something about your family?
Sag mir etwas über deine Familie.
Tell me something about your family.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries, family is an important topic, but people often keep personal details private with strangers. Start with a light request like this and follow the other person’s comfort level. Using the informal ‘du’ form signals a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.