Sprechen Sie Englisch?
Do you speak English?
Language note: Notice how 'sprechen' (to speak) is used in formal situations with 'Sie'.
Culture note: Many Germans know English, especially the younger generation, so don't hesitate to ask.
Context: The teacher continues speaking and you realize the teacher is bilingual, so you decide to ask a question.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
Sprechen
[SHPRAY-khen]
speak
Sprechen is used to ask someone if they can speak a certain language.
Sie sprechen sehr gut.
You speak very well.
Sie
[zee]
you
Sie is a formal pronoun for addressing one or more people.
Können Sie mir helfen?
Can you help me?
Englisch
[ENG-lish]
English
Referring to the English language in the context of whether someone can speak it.
Kannst du Englisch lesen?
Can you read English?
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