The aim of this paper is to determine the ways of addressing among Croatian and German internet forum participants. Analysed were discussions in student, parental and scientific / educational forums. The ways of addressing, for the purpose of this paper, were divided into the following categories: you / You / “online nickname“/ surname/ title / insulting words / endearing words/ lack of addressing/ combinations of different ways of addressing. Based on the above categories, the level of formality of each forum was analysed. V pronouns, usage of surnames or titles are typical characteristics of a higher level of formality, while T pronouns, usage of first names or lack of addressing represent a lower level of formality. In addition, differences between Croatian and German internet forums were examined. Based on the ways of addressing, conclusions were drawn about the connection between computer mediated communication and offline communication. The nature of the forum affects the level of formality in terms of address. According to the analysis, the highest level of formality is present in Croatian scientific forums. The lowest level of formality is visible in parent forums (both Croatian and German). The reason is, among other, the topic of the forum, which is also a factor that affects the level of formality in terms of address. This paper confirmed similarities between offline communications and the specific type of computer mediated communication that includes discussion forums. The participants tend to show their emotions or nonverbal signs through online means during the discussions; different signs of conversational style which are manifested through emoticons, colloquial speech, grammar and spelling mistakes. The participants in discussions in internet forums communicate similarly like in discussions in offline world.