How to Introduce Yourself in German: Your First A1 Conversation

Your first conversation

Here is a complete example:

You don't need to memorise a long introduction. Start with these few lines, understand what each one does, and then replace the example name with your own. You can use a fictional name if you prefer.

This is Lesson 1 of Tutormax's German A1 series for beginners. The explanations are in English and the model conversations are in German. This page explains the phrases. Use the matching video below for the listening and speaking turns.

1. Start with a greeting

“Hallo” means “hello”. It is a useful opening for the friendly conversation in this lesson.

You may also hear “Guten Tag”, a polite daytime greeting. You don't need both in the same opening. Choose one, then give your name.

Example: Hallo! Ich heiße Asha.

The greeting opens the conversation. The next sentence tells the other person who you are.

2. Give your name

Use this pattern:

Ich heiße Ben. = My name is Ben. Ich heiße Asha. = My name is Asha.

Only the name changes here. Keep “Ich heiße” together while you learn the pattern. Then say the complete sentence with your own name.

Another normal introduction is “Ich bin Ben”, meaning “I'm Ben”. Both work when you are telling someone your name. For your first attempt, choose one pattern and get comfortable using it.

3. Ask the other person's name

“Wie heißt du?” means “What's your name?”

In this question, “du” is the informal form of “you”. Asha and Ben use it with each other in our friendly example. It fits conversations where people are using the informal form, such as with friends or classmates.

Formal reference: for a formal encounter, you can ask “Wie heißen Sie?” The capital S in “Sie” matters in this polite use. With an unfamiliar adult in a formal setting, this is a useful starting choice; follow the form agreed in the conversation.

Notice that Asha's answer stays the same. The question changes because the person asking chooses an informal or polite way to address her. You don't need a full verb table to use these phrases today.

4. Respond naturally

After the names, Ben says “Freut mich”. In this situation, it means “Nice to meet you”.

Asha replies “Freut mich auch”: “Nice to meet you too”. The added word “auch” gives the reply its “too” meaning.

This responds to meeting the other person. It does not mean goodbye: the conversation can carry on after it. You have now greeted someone, exchanged names and said that you are pleased to meet them.

Listen for the difference between the phrases

“Ich heiße” and “Wie heißt du?” are not identical. The first gives your name; the second asks someone else's. Notice the written endings “heiße” and “heißt”, then listen to the whole phrase in the video.

The letter ß appears in both. It is a German letter, not a capital B. Keep it when you copy the examples. The alphabet lesson will explain the letter names in more detail.

Use the German model audio in the video rather than trying to read an English sound-spelling. Listen once, replay the short phrase, then say it yourself. Aim for a clear phrase that someone can understand. A written page alone cannot check your pronunciation.

How to use the video lesson

Work through the video conversation in three passes:

First, listen to the scene and find the names. You don't need to catch every word.

Next, use the speaking pauses. Say your answer before the model is revealed. Pause the video for longer whenever you need.

Finally, hide the written sentences and give your own introduction. Then ask the other person's name. Compare your attempt with the model and try again with a different name.

The video does not record or score your speech. Its purpose is to give you a clear example, time to respond and a model to compare with your own attempt. If you want to write as well, copy one complete introduction, cover it, and write your version from memory.

What comes next

These phrases give you a way to begin a simple conversation: say hello, give your name, ask theirs and respond with “Nice to meet you”.

The next lesson adds two useful details: where you are from and where you live. Those places can be different. We will learn how to ask about both without turning your introduction into a long memorised speech.

About this lesson

These are original Tutormax teaching examples. Goethe-Institut describes A1 as including simple introductions and basic questions about yourself. Its official A1 speaking sample also includes introducing yourself. This lesson develops one small part of that wider level; completing it does not mean you have completed A1 or passed an exam.

Goethe-Institut: A1 description →Official description of the wider beginner level.

Goethe A1 speaking sample →Official sample includes introducing yourself.

Sources & related resources

Use official sources for current requirements. Continue with the resource that fits your next task.

German A1: lessons and learning guide →
Return to the first-conversations route and study guide.