Personal Pronouns

German personal pronouns are words that replace nouns when referring to people or things. They change based on number (singular/plural) and person (first, second, third). Unlike English, German distinguishes between formal and informal "you" - this is an important cultural aspect of the language. The pronouns must match the verb conjugation, so learning them together with basic verbs will help you form correct sentences from the start.

The singular pronouns in German are: ich (I), du (you informal), er (he), sie (she), es (it). Note that "sie" with lowercase means "she" while "Sie" with uppercase means formal "you". The pronoun "es" is used for neuter nouns, but also in impersonal constructions like weather expressions (Es regnet - It's raining).

The plural pronouns are: wir (we), ihr (you all informal), sie (they), and Sie (you formal). The formal "Sie" is always capitalized and used with strangers, in business, and with elders as a sign of respect. When addressing a group formally, you still use "Sie" - the verb form is the same as "they" (sie).

One of the most important distinctions in German is between formal and informal address. Use "du" with friends, family, children, and peers. Use "Sie" with strangers, in professional settings, and with elderly people you don't know well. When in doubt, use "Sie" - it's more polite to be too formal than too informal. Germans will often offer to switch to "du" by saying "Wir können uns duzen" (We can use du with each other).