Tue, 10.06.08
(III) soccer & human rights
In German a distinction may be drawn in addressing someone by using either the formal – “Sie” – or the informal – “Du.” Dealings with public authorities and public officials are without exception formal. It is surprising – and telling – that the Austrian Police required a reminder that as public officials the use of the informal is inappropriate.
The 1993 Guideline Decree (Richtlinienverordnung) stipulates that “authorized security agents in dealing with persons where this is custom or who so request have to use “Sie.” (Organe des öffentlichen Sicherheitsdienstes haben bei Personen, bei denen dies dem üblichen Umgang entspricht oder die dies verlangen mi “Sie” anzusprechen.)