Register and style
C1 · Advanced · Mastery
The rule
Distinguish colloquial, neutral and formal registers.
How it works
German has clear differences of register. Colloquial speech uses contractions (ne, ’s) and informal words, neutral speech is used in most everyday contexts, and formal style uses Sie, Konjunktiv II and complete sentences. Choosing the right register shows awareness of the situation and the reader, which is essential in letters, applications and emails.
When to use it
Choose between colloquial, neutral and formal German depending on who you are writing to.
Use cases
- Writing a job application: Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, hiermit bewerbe ich mich
- Writing an email to a friend: Hey, wie geht’s dir?
- Writing a neutral news text: Die Stadt plant einen neuen Radweg
Examples
- Wie geht es Ihnen? vs. Na, wie läufts? – How are you? vs. How's it going?
- Hast du Lust auf Kino? – Do you feel like the cinema? (informal)
- Ich würde mich über eine Rückmeldung freuen. – I would be grateful for a reply. (formal)
- Das haut gut hin. – That works well. (colloquial)
Common mistake
Using colloquial words in a job application or formal letter.
Memory tip
Formal letters use Sie, Konjunktiv II and complete sentences; emails to friends use du and contractions.