How to say “nice to meet you” in German

To say nice to meet you in German, use "Schön, Sie kennenzulernen" in formal settings or simply "Freut mich" in casual conversation. German social etiquette places a high value on the distinction between formal and informal address, so choosing the right phrase is the first step toward a successful professional or social integration.

While many "quick-fix" apps suggest a one-size-fits-all approach, real-world German requires nuance. This guide breaks down the most common ways to introduce yourself, helping you avoid social friction by using the correct level of formality. 

• Quick reference: Every way to say "nice to meet you" in German
• Mastering the formal "nice to meet you" in German
• Casual ways to say "nice to meet you" in German
• Other variations
• German greeting etiquette: To shake or to hug?
• FAQs

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Quick reference: Every way to say "nice to meet you" in German 

For those in a hurry, here is a breakdown of the most common phrases used by native speakers:

English phrase	German translation	Formality level	Usage context
Nice to meet you	Freut mich	Neutral/casual	Universal "shorthand"
It’s a pleasure (standard)	Schön, Sie kennenzulernen	Formal	Business/first meetings
I am delighted to meet you	Ich bin erfreut, Sie kennenzulernen	High formal	VIPs or very stiff protocol
Nice to meet you (informal)	Schön, dich kennenzulernen	Casual	Peers and friends
It is nice to meet you	Es ist schön, dich zu treffen	Casual/warm	Meeting a friend's friend or a date
The pleasure is mine	Ganz meinerseits	Neutral/formal	Standard polite response
Likewise / you too	Ebenfalls	Neutral	Quick response

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Mastering the formal "nice to meet you" in German

In the German workplace, first impressions are built on a foundation of respect and professional distance. When you are in a job interview or speaking with someone in a position of authority, the phrase "Schön, Sie kennenzulernen" is your go-to standard. It signals that you understand the cultural importance of the formal "Sie" structure, which helps you avoid appearing unintentionally disrespectful.

It is always better to start with this higher level of formality; it is much easier to move toward a casual tone later than it is to recover from being too informal too soon.

Examples in context:

• Job interview: Guten Tag, Herr Schmidt. Schön, Sie kennenzulernen.
• High-level meeting: Frau Müller, ich bin erfreut, Sie kennenzulernen. (best reserved for very formal ceremonies).

Casual ways to say "nice to meet you" in German

When you are among peers or in a relaxed social setting, the language becomes much more concise and warm. The most common "all-rounder" phrase you will hear is simply "Freut mich," which is a shortened, friendly version of "it pleases me". 

This is often the standard for daily interactions, particularly in modern environments like tech startups or creative agencies where the atmosphere is less rigid.

Whether you are meeting a friend of a friend or heading out on a first date, using the informal "dich" instead of "Sie" shows that you are ready to engage on a more personal level.

Examples in context:

• At a party: Hallo, ich bin Marc." — "Freut mich! Ich bin Sarah.
• Meeting a friend's friend: Schön, dich kennenzulernen! Max hat viel von dir erzählt.
• A casual date: Es ist schön, dich zu treffen. (emphasizes the act of the encounter).

Other variations

While the standard phrases are understood across all German-speaking countries, local variations can help you build rapport more quickly.

• In Switzerland: The most common way to say "nice to meet you" is "Fröit mi." For a complete, polite sentence in Swiss German, you might say "Es freut mi, dich z'träffe" (it pleases me to meet you).
• In Austria: Along with the standard phrases, you will often hear "Angenehm!" This is a quick, very typical Austrian way to express that a meeting is "pleasant."

German greeting etiquette: To shake or to hug?

When you first meet someone in Germany, physical boundaries are important. To avoid cultural mistakes, remember this: in most formal and semi-formal settings, a firm handshake accompanied by direct eye contact is the standard expectation.

In casual social settings among younger generations or close friends, a light hug might occur, but it is rarely the default for a first-time meeting. For the most professional impression, wait for the other person to offer their hand first, especially if they are senior to you.

FAQs

How do you say "nice to meet you" in German?

The most direct translation is "Schön, Sie kennenzulernen" (formal) or "Schön, dich kennenzulernen" (informal).

Is it polite to say "Schön, Sie kennenzulernen"?

Yes, it is the standard, polite greeting for adults and professionals across German-speaking countries.

What is the best way to respond to "nice to meet you" in German?

The most common response is "Ganz meinerseits" (the pleasure is mine) or a simple "Ebenfalls" (likewise).

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Introducing yourself with confidence

Navigating your first "Hallo" is a huge win, but the real magic happens when you can turn that introduction into a full conversation. Remember: when in doubt, lean toward the formal "Schön, Sie kennenzulernen" in the office, and stick to a friendly "Freut mich" at the weekend. 
The best way to get comfortable with these variations is to actually use them. At Lingoda, you learn German from native-level teachers who can help you practice these expressions in real-time, giving you the feedback you need to sound authentic and confident. Ready to nail your next introduction and start building real relationships in German?

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