In German
Sprechen Sie Englisch?
Meaning: do you speak English?
Formal or informal? “Sprechen Sie Englisch?” is the formal question, for a stranger. For a friend, use “Sprichst du Englisch?”.
Example sentences
Sprechen Sie Englisch?
Do you speak English?
SprichstduEnglisch?
Do you speak English? (informal)
Ich spreche kein Englisch.
I don't speak English.
Grammar note
“Sprechen” changes its stem vowel in the du and er forms: “du sprichst” and “er spricht”. In the formal question, the verb comes first, followed by “Sie”.
Common mistake
Don't write “Sprechen Sie Englisch” without the question mark in writing. Also say “Englisch” without an article: “Ich spreche Englisch”.
Quick check
Which German question asks a stranger if they speak English?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
How do you say “I speak a little English” in German?
“Ich spreche ein bisschen Englisch”.
Is the formal question “Sprechen Sie Englisch?” polite?
Yes, it's the polite form for strangers, using “Sie”.