Alles gut
/ˈaləs ɡuːt/word by word
The German phrase for 'all good' is Alles gut.
Alles gut is a colloquial expression used to mean 'it's all good', 'no problem', 'don't worry about it' or 'it's fine'. It is frequently used as a response to an apology or to dismiss a small mistake.
Meaning: all good (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of alles (everything) and gut (good).
Which one should you use?
In German, Alles gut is often used as a standalone elliptical phrase. A more grammatically complete version of this expression would be Es ist alles gut.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Alles gut is an informal expression and is more common in casual conversation than in formal business writing. For a formal way to say 'all good', you can use Alles in Ordnung, which literally translates to 'everything in order'. If you want to express informally that everything is excellent or perfect, use Alles bestens.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaləs ɡuːt/
Did you know?
- In some social contexts, saying Alles gut with a specific dismissive hand wave can signal that a topic is closed and should not be discussed further.
- Depending on the tone, Alles gut can be used sarcastically to mean the exact opposite, similar to saying 'Great, just great' in English.
- While Alles gut is common today, the more formal Alles in Ordnung reflects a traditional German cultural emphasis on 'Ordnung' or order.
Examples in context
- Klingt alles gut, würde ich alles nehmen.Sounds all good, I would take anything.This sentence shows how to use Alles gut to describe a situation.Tatoeba #11196362 by mutskt, translation #11196363 by mutskt
- Entschuldigung, ist alles in Ordnung? / Ja, alles in Ordnung, danke!Excuse me, is everything alright? / Yes, everything is fine, thank you!
- Sind Sie zufrieden mit dem Ergebnis? / Ja, alles gut.Are you satisfied with the result? / Yes, all good.
- Können wir uns um 20 Uhr treffen? / Ja, alles klar!Can we meet at 8 pm? / Yes, all good!
- Hast du den Kuchen probiert? / Ja, alles bestens!Did you try the cake? / Yes, all good!
- Alles gut bei dir?Is everything good with you?
- Keine Sorge, alles gut.Don't worry, it's all good.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are talking on the phone about a small mistake.
- MaximilianTut mir leid, ich habe dein Buch vergessen.I am sorry, I forgot your book.
- SarahAlles gut, ich brauche es erst morgen.All good, I don't need it until tomorrow.
- MaximilianBringst du es mir dann einfach mit?Will you just bring it with you then?
- SarahJa, das mache ich.Yes, I will do that.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (alles, gut) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
