German Video Call Phrases for Family: Impress Your In-Laws
Navigate video calls with your partner's German family confidently. Essential phrases for greetings and polite conversation.
Video calls with your partner's family can be nerve-wracking, especially in another language. These essential German phrases will help you navigate calls with in-laws and extended family with confidence.
Phrase to Learn
Schön, euch zu sehen!
Nice to see you all!
[ shurhn oyKH tsoo ZEH-en ]
A warm, friendly opening for a family video call.
Essential Phrases
These phrases help you start the call politely, introduce yourself clearly, and show interest in your partner's family.
| German | English | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Schön, euch zu sehen! | Nice to see you all! | shurn oykh tsoo ZEH-en |
| Hallo, ich bin [Name]. | Hello, I'm [name]. | HAH-loh, ikh bin ... |
| Wie geht es Ihnen? | How are you? (formal) | vee GAYT es EE-nen |
| Wie geht es euch? | How are you all? (informal) | vee GAYT es oykh |
| Vielen Dank, dass wir sprechen können. | Thank you for being able to talk. | FEE-len dahnk, dahss veer SHTREH-khen KUH-nen |
Schön, euch zu sehen! is a natural, friendly opener for a video call. If you are meeting parents or older relatives, use Wie geht es Ihnen? until they invite you to switch to du.
Cultural Tip
In many German families, a short greeting to each person is better than a vague group hello. If you are unsure whether to use du or Sie, start formal and follow your partner's lead. Small questions like Wie war eure Woche? or Wie geht es Ihnen? make the call feel warmer and more natural.
More Useful Expressions
| German | English | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Wie war euer Tag? | How was your day? | vee vahhr OY-er tahk |
| Erzähl mir davon. | Tell me about it. | ehr-TSAYL meer dah-VOHN |
| Das klingt schön. | That sounds nice. | dahs kleengt shurn |
| Zeig uns mal das Bild. | Show us the picture. | tsyk oons mahl dahs bilt |
| Liebe Grüße an alle. | Warm greetings to everyone. | LEE-buh GROO-seh ahn AH-leh |
Pronunciation: VEE-deh-oh-AHN-roof
"Wir machen heute Abend einen Videoanruf mit der Familie."
Additional Phrases
| German | English | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Kannst du mich gut hören? | Can you hear me well? | kahnst doo mikh goot HEH-ren |
| Ich bin gleich da. | I'll be there in a moment. | ikh bin glykh dah |
| Wir haben es heute schön. | We're having a lovely time today. | veer HAH-ben ess HOY-teh shurn |
| Danke für eure Geduld. | Thanks for your patience. | dahn-kuh fewr OY-reh guh-DOOLT |
| Bis bald! | See you soon! | bis bahlt |
Tips for Using These Phrases
- Test technology beforehand - Make sure audio and camera work before the call starts.
- Have phrases ready - Keep a few lines visible on your phone or laptop so you can glance at them naturally.
- Use names often - Saying Hallo, Anna or Wie geht es dir, Herr Müller? sounds warm and personal.
- Pause and listen - German families often appreciate calm, attentive conversation rather than rushing through every sentence.
- Follow up after the call - A short message like Danke, es war schön mit euch zu sprechen leaves a good impression.
Practice Makes Perfect
Try a simple call script: Hallo zusammen! Schön, euch zu sehen. Wie war euer Tag? Wir haben heute gekocht und ich wollte euch davon erzählen. If they answer with a longer story, use Erzähl mir davon or Das klingt schön to keep the conversation flowing.
Learning to communicate with family in your partner's language shows dedication and care. Even if your pronunciation isn't perfect, the effort itself demonstrates your commitment to the relationship.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare for a video call with my partner's German family?
Review formal greetings ("Guten Tag, Herr/Frau [name]"), prepare two or three questions about their wellbeing, and have your partner brief you on recent family news. Even starting the call with a confident German greeting before switching to English makes a lasting positive impression with their family.
Should I use formal or informal German with my partner's parents on video calls?
Start formal (Sie) unless they have explicitly offered the informal "du." German families take this distinction seriously, and using the wrong register can feel disrespectful. Your partner will tell you when the switch happens, which is usually marked by a specific invitation like "Sie können ruhig du sagen" (You can say du).
What do I do when the German family conversation moves too fast for me?
Say "Entschuldigung, können Sie bitte langsamer sprechen?" (Excuse me, could you please speak slower?) politely. Most family members will happily accommodate. Your partner can translate complex points afterward. Each call improves your listening comprehension, so consistency matters more than understanding everything immediately.
What topics work well for video calls with German in-laws?
Ask about their garden, recent travels, local weather, or upcoming holidays. Germans enjoy substantive conversation, so questions about their hobbies or regional specialties show genuine interest. Preparing one or two thoughtful German questions with your partner before each call demonstrates ongoing effort to connect with their family.
How often should I join video calls with my partner's German family?
Monthly calls plus holidays and birthdays is a good baseline. Germans appreciate reliability, so maintaining a consistent schedule matters more than frequent irregular contact. Even brief appearances where you greet everyone in German before your partner continues the conversation show respect and build warmth with their family over time.
