Gesundheit!
The English phrase 'God bless you' can be translated into German in several ways, most commonly using Gesundheit!
In German-speaking cultures, it is standard to say Gesundheit! immediately after someone sneezes. While there are religious ways to express the sentiment of a blessing, Gesundheit! is the standard secular response used in everyday social settings.
Meaning: said to somebody who has sneezed (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Gesundheit! literally means 'health!'
Which one should you use?
While Gesundheit! is the standard secular response to a sneeze, Gott segne dich! is a literal translation of 'God bless you' and is much more religious and less common in everyday social settings.
Did you know?
- The term Gesundheit! is so widely recognized that it has been borrowed directly into American English, used by English speakers who may not even speak German.
- Because Gesundheit! focuses on the physical state of being healthy, it can be used as a sincere wish during a period of illness, not just as a reaction to a sneeze.
- If someone sneezes multiple times, Germans often wait for the final sneeze before saying Gesundheit! to avoid interrupting the sequence.
Examples in context
- Möge Gott Sie segnen und Ihre Mühe belohnenMay God bless you and reward your efforts
- Gottes Segen sei mit Ihnen und Ihrer FamilieGod's blessing be with you and your family
- Gott segne dich und pass auf dich aufGod bless you and take care of yourself
- Möge Gott dich segnen und dir Glück bringenMay God bless you and bring you happiness
- Gottes Segen sei mit dir, bis wir uns wiedersehenGod's blessing be with you until we meet again
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are sitting in a cafe together.
- JuliaHatschi!Atchoo!
- MaximilianGesundheit!Bless you!
- JuliaDanke, Maximilian.Thanks, Maximilian.
- MaximilianGern geschehen.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “God bless you” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
