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In English it is common to reply with "Nice to meet you" when you were introduced to somebody. Likewise you say "Was nice to meet you" on leaving.
Are there any similar phrases a German would use in this context? What is a formal German reply when having been introduced to somebody? Can we say "Es war schön, Sie getroffen zu haben?" when leaving?
I think it is not easy to answer this question because the translations depends on the circumstances. So there are more than one possibilities what you can say.
The direct translations would be: (first English, second German)
coming: "Nice to meet you." - "Schön, Sie zu treffen."
leaving: "Was nice to meet you." - "Es war schön, Sie getroffen zu haben."
In Germany you have different phrases (which one you use depends on the situation) you can say to greet someone or to say goodbye.
Private meetings:
Business Meeting:
Meeting, where you have been invited:
official meetings (high society):
This are some examples of normally used phrases in German to greet someone by coming or leaving. All of this phrases can be changed. For example, you can say "Du" instead of "Sie" if you know the person very well. Or change "Abend" to "Nachmittag" or "Mittag" as needed.
I was taught a common phrase for this is “Es freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen”, often shortened to just “Es freut mich”.
I disagree with the previous answers, in part:
I argue that in German there is no direct translation of "nice to meet you", because German speakers do not express it like that. Clearly, German-dubbed American TV series have already influenced the German language somewhat and some people say that. However being a German native from Bavaria, I find it very artificial to use this expression and believe this is not proper German.
"Sehr erfreut" and similar were in fact common in German in the past (without English influence). However, it sounds very old-fashioned if you are talking to people under 35 and I suggest not using it any more, at least not with younger people (e.g. coworkers at tech companies).
Instead, say something different with a meaning being specific to the situation, e.g.
The informal "Freut mich" or "Freut mich, dich kennenzulernen" should also be added.
It must be differentiated also whether you meet someone for the first time, as "to meet" translates into "(wieder)treffen" or "kennenlernen".
Meeting for the first time would be "Schön, dich kennenzulernen". Meeting someone again after some time would be "Schön, dich wiederzusehen/wiederzutreffen".
I've always used and/or come across either "Ganz mein Vergnügen" or "Sehr erfreut (oder Freut mich), Sie kennenzulernen" as the closest equivalents.
I use the following: Informal: Schön dich kennenzulernen.
Formal: Schön Sie kennenzulernen.
Somewhat casual: Sehr erfreut.
But be careful with "sehr erfreut", because it literally means "very pleased". so it would be best to add "Sie (or dich) kennenzulernen", to make it "Sehr erfreut, Sie/dich kennenzulernen.
First it depends on whether or not you are actually sincere and acceptable. There is a class system in German. Changing to the personal is established in the course of conversation, time and repeat meetings. If you like to repeat a meeting and things click, you could say: Ich bin sehr erfeut Sie kennenzulernen. If there are repeat meetings and depending on the background of the parties, the Sie can be replaced by the Du or Dich; but that is initiated by the older person. However, it depends in which part of Germany you are. Northerners tends to be more formal and reserved. There are occasions where persons have known each other for a lengthy time, but will remain formal. That is particularly true in working relationships, with neighbors or daily acquaintances.
