Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| guten Tag | /ˌɡuːtn̩ ˈtaːk/ /ˌɡutn̩ ˈtaːk/ |
| Tach | /tax/ /taːx/ |
guten Tag is used as a greeting between sunrise and sunset. It is a common and polite way to say good day, particularly in Austria during formal situations.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the masculine accusative adjective guten and the masculine noun Tag, which literally means "good day".
Which one should you use?
guten Tag is the standard form, while Tach is a clipped, colloquial version of Tag often used in casual greetings such as "Hi everyone!"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
guten Tag is a polite and formal option. In contrast, Tach is colloquial and used in casual settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain parts of Austria, such as Vienna and Lower Austria, the polite greeting Grüß Gott is used. In the southern regions of Austria, the informal greeting Servus is popular. In Styria, locals may use Servas or Grüß di to say hello or good day instead of Guten Tag. Additionally, Austrians of all ages use the friendly, informal Hallo to say good day.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are wishing someone "a good day" (as in "Have a good day"), the phrase takes the accusative case and becomes einen guten Tag.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌɡuːtn̩ ˈtaːk/
Did you know?
- The religious greeting Grüß Gott, common in Austria, literally translates to 'greet God' and is used where guten Tag might feel too secular.
- The modern German word for a parliament or diet, such as Reichstag or Landtag, is derived from the word Tag.
- In southern Austria and Bavaria, Servus is used as both a greeting and a farewell, unlike guten Tag which is primarily for arriving.
Examples in context
- Einen guten Tag noch!Have a good day.This sentence shows how to wish someone a good day using guten Tag.Tatoeba #6644873 by Felixjp, translation #3326719 by CK
- Guten Tag, was möchten Sie?Good day. What do you want?Tatoeba #714343 by jakov, translation #2310291 by Gulo_Luscus
- Guten Tag! Wie geht es dir?Good day, how are you?Tatoeba #9932785 by grasweg3, translation #415678 by blay_paul
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix meet on the street during the afternoon.
- HannahGuten Tag, Felix!Good day, Felix!
- FelixHallo Hannah, wie geht es dir?Hello Hannah, how are you?
- HannahMir geht es sehr gut, danke.I am doing very well, thanks.
- FelixDas freut mich zu hören.I am glad to hear that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good day” translations and entries guten Tag, Tach, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Tag, guten Tag, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
