Hallo, wie geht's?
The English phrase "hi, how are you?" is translated into German as Hallo, wie geht's?
This is a common greeting used to say hello and ask about someone's well-being.
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 translates to "How goes it to you?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Wie geht's? is a colloquial contraction and is best suited for friends, family or casual acquaintances. If you are speaking to a stranger, a superior or someone you wish to show respect to, you should use the formal version Wie geht es Ihnen? instead of the colloquial Wie geht's?
How does it change in a sentence?
When responding to a formal Wie geht es Ihnen?, you should use the formal Und Ihnen? to return the question.
When do people say it?
You can reply to a greeting with Danke, gut! In informal settings, a common way to respond to Wie geht's? is Gut, danke. Und dir? (Good, thanks. And you?).
Did you know?
- If a German speaker answers Wie geht's? with Muss ja, they are implying that life is mediocre but they are enduring it.
- While Hallo is common, Germans in the south might use Servus to both say hello and goodbye in a single word.
- While English speakers often use 'How are you?' as a polite filler without expecting a real answer, Germans may actually provide a brief summary of their well-being.
Examples in context
- Guten Tag! Wie geht es Ihnen?Good day! How are you?
- Hallo! Wie geht es dir?Hello! How are you?
Example conversation
Laura and Julian meet at a cafe.
- LauraHallo, wie geht's?Hi, how are you?
- JulianMir geht es gut, danke!I am doing well, thanks!
- LauraDas freut mich zu hören.I am glad to hear that.
- JulianUnd bei dir?And you?
