Sie
dative case of the formal pronoun Sie (you, formal)
Dative form of the formal "you" (Sie); meaning "to you" (formal/polite).
Definitions
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1
To you (formal/polite singular or plural) — used as the indirect object of a verb.
“Der Arzt erklärt Ihnen die Behandlung sehr genau.”
The doctor explains the treatment to you very precisely.
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2
For you / with you (formal) — used after prepositions that take the dative case.
“Das Paket wurde gestern von uns an Ihnen geschickt.”
The package was sent to you by us yesterday.
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3
Used in polite written or spoken address, e.g. in letters, emails, or formal speech.
“Wir danken Ihnen herzlich für Ihre freundliche Unterstützung.”
We sincerely thank you for your kind support.
Word forms
- Usage
- Always capitalized (Ihnen) to distinguish it from ihnen (dative of 'sie', meaning 'them').
Ihnen (capital I) is the dative of the formal pronoun Sie. It is used in polite, formal contexts — with strangers, in professional settings, or when showing respect. Do not confuse with ihnen (lowercase), which is the dative of sie (they), meaning 'to them'.