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German Phrase

Erzähl mir was über deinen Hintergrund.

/ˈɛɐ̯t͡sɛl miː vas ˈyːbɐ ˈdaɪ̯nən ˈhɪntɐˌɡʁʊnt/
Meaning"Tell me something about your background."
💡

Meaning

This sentence asks someone to share information about their personal or professional background. It’s a friendly, informal way to invite a story or summary of where they come from, what they study, work, or any relevant life experience.

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When to use

Use it in casual conversations with peers, new acquaintances, or during networking events when you want to learn more about the other person’s story. It’s too informal for formal business meetings unless you have a relaxed rapport.

✦Grammar Breakdown

ErzählmirwasüberdeinenHintergrund

1

Imperative (du) – Erzähl

The verb 'erzählen' in the informal singular imperative drops the ending '-en' and adds an 'e' (optional) → 'Erzähl' (or 'Erzähle').

2

Dative pronoun – mir

The indirect object pronoun 'mir' is in the dative case, indicating to whom the story is told.

3

Indefinite pronoun – was

'was' here means 'something' and is used colloquially instead of the more formal 'etwas'.

4

Preposition + Accusative – über + deinen Hintergrund

The preposition 'über' (about) governs the accusative case; therefore the possessive adjective must be in accusative masculine: 'deinen Hintergrund'.

🗨In Conversation

A

Erzähl mir was über deinen Hintergrund.

Tell me something about your background.

Ich komme aus Berlin, habe Informatik studiert und arbeite jetzt als Software‑Entwickler.

I’m from Berlin, studied computer science and now work as a software developer.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Erzähl mir was über dein Hintergrund.

    The preposition 'über' requires the accusative case, so the possessive must be 'deinen'.

  • Erzähl mir was über dein Hintergrund.

    Both the article and adjective need to be in accusative masculine.

  • Erzähle mir was über deinen Hintergrund.

    While grammatically correct, 'Erzähle' sounds more formal; in casual speech native speakers usually drop the final 'e' → 'Erzähl'.

↔Alternatives

  • Erzähl mir etwas über deine Herkunft.

    Tell me something about your origin.

  • Berichte mir von deinem Werdegang.

    Tell me about your career path.

  • Kannst du mir etwas über dich erzählen?

    Can you tell me something about yourself?

de

Cultural Tip

Germans appreciate directness, but personal topics can be sensitive. Use this phrase with people you already have a friendly rapport with, and be ready to share your own background in return. In professional settings, you might prefer the slightly more formal 'Könnten Sie mir etwas über Ihren Werdegang erzählen?'