guten Morgen auch dir
The English phrase "good morning to you too" is translated into German as guten Morgen auch dir.
This phrase is a polite response used to return a morning greeting to someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from guten Morgen (good morning), auch (also/too) and dir (to you in the dative case).
Which one should you use?
The default form guten Morgen auch dir is the informal version. In many casual situations, you can simply repeat guten Morgen as a response instead of using the full construction.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to a stranger, a superior or someone you address with formal respect, you should use Ihnen instead of dir in the phrase guten Morgen auch Ihnen.
Did you know?
- In many parts of Germany, particularly in the North, you might hear people skip the 'Guten' entirely and simply say 'Moin', which can be used at any time of day.
- The root of Morgen comes from a Proto-Indo-European word meaning 'to blink' or 'twinkle'.
Examples in context
- Guten Morgen auch dir!Good morning to you too!
- Guten Morgen, und guten Morgen auch dir.Good morning, and good morning to you too.
Example conversation
Two friends meet in the kitchen for breakfast.
- MaximilianGuten Morgen, Sarah!Good morning, Sarah!
- SarahGuten Morgen auch dir, Maximilian!Good morning to you too, Maximilian!
- MaximilianHast du schon Kaffee?Do you have coffee already?
- SarahJa, nimm dir gerne eine Tasse.Yes, feel free to take a cup.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Morgen, auch, dir, morgen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
