In German
Freut mich!
Meaning: nice to meet you
Formal or informal? “Freut mich” is the common phrase. Say “Freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen” to a stranger or in a formal setting, and “Freut mich, dich kennenzulernen” to a friend.
Example sentences
Freutmich!
Nice to meet you!
Freutmich,Siekennenzulernen.
Nice to meet you (formal).
HalloAnna,freutmichsehr!
Hi Anna, lovely to meet you!
Grammar note
“Freut mich” literally means “it pleases me”, with “mich” as the object. For formal use, switch to “Sie” and “Sie kennenzulernen”.
Common mistake
Say “Freut mich” after you're introduced, not “Ich freue mich” alone. That's a different sentence meaning “I'm looking forward to it”.
Quick check
Which German phrase means “nice to meet you” when you're introduced?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What is the formal way to say nice to meet you?
“Freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen”, using “Sie” for a stranger or in formal situations.
Do Germans shake hands when they say “freut mich”?
Yes, a handshake is normal when meeting someone for the first time, along with the phrase.