01
der Sir
Sir
A British title of nobility for a man who has been knighted. The title is used before the first name.
example
Sir Isaac Newton war ein bedeutender Wissenschaftler.
Sir Isaac Newton was an important scientist.
der Sir
Sir
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Meanings
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Usage tips
False friend
In English, 'Sir' is also a general polite form of address for a man. This usage does not exist in German. 'Sir' is used only for the British title of nobility or in special contexts such as the military.
EXAMPLE
Der Soldat salutierte und sagte: „Befehl ausgeführt, Sir!“
The soldier saluted and said, 'Order carried out, sir!'
Use as a title
The title 'Sir' always comes directly before the person's first name or full name, but never only before the last name. No article is used with it.
EXAMPLE
Der berühmte Regisseur ist Sir Alfred Hitchcock.
The famous director is Sir Alfred Hitchcock.
Cultural context
'Sir' is an honorary title in the United Kingdom, awarded by the monarch to men for special achievements. It is the male counterpart to the title 'Dame'.
EXAMPLE
Sir Winston Churchill war ein bedeutender britischer Staatsmann.
Sir Winston Churchill was an important British statesman.
Context of address
As a direct form of address, 'Sir' is extremely rare in German and limited to a few, mostly hierarchical areas. You find it almost only in the military or in historical films.
EXAMPLE
„Ja, Sir!“, rief der Kadett.
'Yes, sir!' shouted the cadet.
Compare with
Sir vs Herr
gentleman / Mr.
'der Herr' and 'der Sir' can both be respectful terms for a man. 'Herr' is the normal German formal form of address, usually with a last name: 'Herr Müller'. 'Sir' mainly belongs to English-speaking contexts. It can be a polite form of address or a British title before the first name. Learners may confuse the words because both sound polite. In German, however, you normally say 'Herr' to German or German-speaking men. 'Sir' only fits when the English or British context is important.
Sir
Sir David hielt in London eine kurze Rede.
Sir David gave a short speech in London.
Herr
Herr Schneider wartet schon seit zehn Minuten an der Rezeption.
Mr. Schneider has already been waiting at reception for ten minutes.
In real life
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