German Phrase
Wer bist du?
Meaning
This is a direct question used to ask for someone's identity in a casual or informal setting. It combines the interrogative pronoun for people with the informal second-person singular form of the verb 'to be'.
When to use
Use this phrase when meeting someone your own age or younger in a relaxed environment, such as a party, a university campus, or a sports club. It is strictly informal.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Werbistdu
Wer (Who)
The interrogative pronoun used to ask about the identity of a person in the nominative case.
Bist (Are)
The second-person singular present tense conjugation of the irregular verb 'sein' (to be).
Du (You)
The informal singular pronoun for 'you', used with friends, family, and peers.
🗨In Conversation
Hallo! Ich habe dich hier noch nie gesehen. Wer bist du?
Hello! I haven't seen you here before. Who are you?
Ich bin Julia, die neue Nachbarin.
I am Julia, the new neighbor.
✕Common Mistakes
Wer sind du?
The verb 'sind' is for 'we', 'they', or formal 'you'; use 'bist' for 'du'.
Wie bist du?
Avoid using 'Wie' (how) when you mean 'Wer' (who) to ask for identity.
↔Alternatives
Wer sind Sie?
Who are you? (Formal)
Wie heißt du?
What is your name? (Informal)
Cultural Tip
German culture distinguishes heavily between the informal 'du' and the formal 'Sie'. Using 'Wer bist du?' with a superior or an elder might be perceived as disrespectful; always wait for them to offer the 'du' first.