Gesundheit
/ɡəˈzʊnthaɪ̯t/
Gesundheit is the German way to say "bless you".
This phrase is an exclamation used to wish someone good health after they sneeze.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a noun that literally means health.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, Gesundheit is always capitalized in German.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈzʊnthaɪ̯t/
Did you know?
- While Gesundheit is common, many Germans prefer to say nothing at all, viewing a sneeze as a private matter rather than a social cue.
- The word is built from the adjective gesund, which shares a common root with the English word 'sound' as in 'sound of mind and body'.
- While English speakers use Gesundheit as a substitute for 'bless you', the German term is a direct wish for physical health rather than a religious blessing.
Examples in context
- Gesundheit!Gesundheit!This sentence is useful for seeing the exclamation used in isolation.Tatoeba #931338 by Sudajaengi, translation #1372222 by Thanuir
- Gesundheit, Sarah!Bless you, Sarah!
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are sitting in a quiet library.
- MaximilianHatschi!Achoo!
- SarahGesundheit!Bless you!
- MaximilianDanke schön.Thank you very much.
- SarahGerne.You're welcome.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Gesundheit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Gesundheit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
