Module V· Cultural Fit & DACH EtiquetteBasic
Question
When do you switch from formal 'Sie' to informal 'du' in a German IB interview?
Answer
Rule
Use Sie by default. Switch to du only after the banker explicitly offers it.
| Situation | Form |
|---|---|
| First round / HR interview | Always Sie |
| Final round / lunch / drinks | Sie unless du is offered |
| Networking event | Observe and adapt |
| US-influenced Frankfurt teams | May switch faster, but wait |
| Boutiques / more traditional teams | Usually more formal |
If du is offered
Accept naturally: 'Gerne, ich bin [first name].' Then stay consistent. If another banker joins, use Sie with that person until they also offer du.
Pitfalls
Starting with du uninvited, switching back and forth, or staying stiffly formal after du has been clearly offered.
DACH etiquette
In English, first names are common. In German, formality still matters.