In German
sprechen
Meaning: to speak
Formal or informal? “Sprechen” means to speak or talk. For a formal question, say “Sprechen Sie Deutsch?”, with “Sie”.
Example sentences
IchsprecheeinbisschenDeutsch.
I speak a little German.
SprichstduEnglisch?
Do you speak English?
SiesprichtsehrgutFranzösisch.
She speaks French very well.
Grammar note
Regular endings: ich spreche, du sprichst, er spricht, wir sprechen. The stem changes e to i in the du and er forms, so “sprichst” and “spricht”.
Common mistake
Don't write “du sprechst” in the du form. The standard is “du sprichst”, with the i, while “sprechst” is a common mistake.
Quick check
Which form is correct for “you speak” (du)?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
Why does “sprechen” change to “sprichst” in the du form?
It's a stem-vowel change, e to i, in the du and er forms.
How do you ask someone whether they speak German?
“Sprechen Sie Deutsch?” formally, or “Sprichst du Deutsch?” informally.