What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Wie geht's is a contraction of Wie geht es dir or Wie geht es Ihnen, which literally means "How goes it".
Which one should you use?
The forms provided differ in their level of formality and structure. Wie geht's? is a more casual and abbreviated version of the greeting used among friends. In contrast, Wie geht es Ihnen? is the formal way to ask how someone is doing and Wie geht es dir? is the informal version used for friends, family or people of a similar age.
How does it change in a sentence?
The contraction Wie geht's is considered informal. In formal settings, you must use the complete form Wie geht es Ihnen?
When do people say it?
A common and natural response to Wie geht's? is Gut, danke (Good, thanks). Depending on the time of day, you might use other greetings. For example, Guten Morgen! (Good morning!) is an appropriate greeting to use until approximately noon.
Did you know?
- In some regions, the greeting Wie geht's? is answered with Muss ja, which roughly means 'it has to go' and implies a sense of stoic endurance.
- In southern Germany and Austria, you are much more likely to hear Grüß Gott as a standard greeting than the more northern-style Hallo.
- The word hallo shares a distant ancestry with the way sailors or travelers once called out to ferrymen to get their attention.
Examples in context
- Hallo, wie geht's?Hi, how are you doing?
- Hallo, wie geht's dir heute?Hi, how are you doing today?
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah meet in a street.
- FelixHallo, wie geht's, Sarah?Hi, how are you doing, Sarah?
- SarahMir geht es gut, danke!I am doing well, thanks!
- FelixDas freut mich zu hören.I am happy to hear that.
- SarahUnd dir, Felix?And you, Felix?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Hallo, hallo, wie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
