Du or Sie? Choosing forms of address in translation
English has one “you”. German, French and Spanish have two. Here is how to decide per book or per relationship.
When a book moves from English to German, every conversation needs a choice between du and Sie. Get it wrong and old friends sound like strangers.
Three settings
Informal throughout suits young-adult fiction. Formal throughout suits period pieces. Deciding per relationship lets family speak informally while strangers stay polite.
When characters switch
The moment two characters move from Sie to du is often a turning point. Review notes mark these scenes so you can check them.