Should we use “du” or “Sie”? “Hey, Stefan” or “Professor”—how do you handle this at the university?

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan Wagenpfeil

1w

Should we use “du” or “Sie”? “Hey, Stefan” or “Professor”—how do you handle this at the university?

This morning I stumbled across a post by Leena Kaijo, who suggests using the informal “Du” form of address right from the start (https://lnkd.in/eTzXq5yc), and it made me feel a little uneasy.

Ever since then, I’ve been trying to figure out if I’ve fallen out of step with the times, because I still use the formal “Sie” form of address, especially at the university. And because it feels kind of strange to me to use the informal “Du” form with my students (and especially the other way around).

I grew up in a time when using the informal “Du” was still something very special—a way of expressing an extra measure of respect or connection. It was an honor when someone offered to address you as “Du.” And I like this feature of the German language. That’s why I like to use it.

I think it’s fine and perfectly understandable that people quickly switch to using “du” in this project. Still, I’d start by using “Sie” here as well.

But what’s it like in lectures?

Am I the only one who feels a bit uncomfortable with the informal “Du” here?

Dear colleagues, Do you use informal terms of address with the students?

Dear students—what do you think?

I have no idea if this post will give me a sense of what people think, but I’d definitely appreciate any feedback—I’m genuinely interested in this, and I’m more than willing to work on addressing my unease….

#computer scientists are cool #whether you’re a duo or a single