In German
Name
Meaning: name
Formal or informal? “Wie heißen Sie?” is the formal way to ask someone's name, and “Wie heißt du?” is the informal form.
Example sentences
WieistdeinName?
What is your name?
MeinNameistAnna.
My name is Anna.
IchkenneihrenNamennicht.
I don't know her name.
Grammar note
“Der Name” is masculine, so it takes “der” and “ein”. It's a weak noun: “den Namen” (accusative), “dem Namen” (dative) and “des Namens” (genitive). The plural is “die Namen”.
Common mistake
Don't use “Name” for “I am called”. Say “Ich heiße Anna” or “Mein Name ist Anna”. “Ich bin Anna” also works in conversation.
Quick check
Which German word means “name”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What is the genitive form of “Name”?
“des Namens”, with -ns at the end.
How do you ask someone's name politely?
“Wie heißen Sie?”, using the formal “Sie”.