What does it mean word for word?
Abig is the Swiss German form of Standard German Abend, 'evening', with the typical Swiss softening of the final consonant.
Which one should you use?
Guete Abig works as both a greeting on arrival and a farewell when leaving in the evening, unlike Guete Tag, which is only a greeting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Guete Abig is polite enough for strangers and elders, and casual enough for friends. No separate informal version exists.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word Abig is used across German-speaking Switzerland, with the vowel pronounced slightly differently from canton to canton.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike a question such as wie gaht's dir, Guete Abig never changes for the person you are speaking to.
How do you pronounce it?
The g at the end of Abig is soft, closer to an English 'ch' sound than a hard g.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Saying Guete Tag late in the evening sounds out of place to Swiss ears. Guete Abig is expected once it gets dark.
When do people say it?
Shop staff and restaurant servers greet customers with Guete Abig as soon as evening begins, even if daylight is still visible in summer.
Did you know?
- Guete Abig serves both as a greeting and as a farewell, which Guete Tag does not do in the same way.
- Shops and restaurants in Switzerland switch to Guete Abig once evening begins, regardless of how much daylight is still outside.
Examples in context
- Guete Abig, hesch es guets Tischli für zwöi?Good evening, do you have a table for two?
- Guete Abig zäme, merci fürs Cho.Good evening everyone, thanks for coming.
- Dir au en schöne Abig no.You too, have a nice evening.
Example conversation
A waiter, Gianni, greets a guest, Claudia, as she arrives at the restaurant.
- GianniGuete Abig, hend Sie reserviert?Good evening, do you have a reservation?
- ClaudiaGuete Abig, jo, uf de Name Meier.Good evening, yes, under the name Meier.
- GianniPerfekt, bitte cho mit mir.Perfect, please come with me.
- ClaudiaMerci vielmal.Thank you very much.
