What does it mean word for word?
The phrase wie geht es dir? literally translates to "how goes it to you?"
Which one should you use?
The default form wie geht es dir? uses the informal singular "dir", whereas wie geht es Ihnen? is the formal version. wie geht es euch? is used when asking how a group of people (friends, family, children) are doing.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of people informally, such as a circle of friends or children, use wie geht es euch?
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say Ich bin gut to mean they are doing well. In German, this often implies you are a good person or good at a skill. Instead, use Mir geht es gut.
When do people say it?
When someone asks how you are, common responses include Mir geht es gut. (I am doing well) or simply Gut, danke (Good, thanks). If you are feeling only mediocre, you can say Es geht (So-so) or if you are feeling unwell, you can say Schlecht (Bad).
Did you know?
- In some German regions, people respond to wie geht es dir? by saying Muss ja, which roughly means 'It has to go'.
- In many German social contexts, Wie geht es dir? is a genuine question about your health or life rather than a passing greeting like 'Hi'.
- The word wie in this phrase shares a common ancestor with the English word 'why'.
Examples in context
- Guten Tag! Wie geht es Ihnen?Good day! How are you?
- Hallo! Wie geht's?Hello! How are you?
- Schön dich zu sehen! Wie geht es dir?Nice to see you! How are you?
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a local park.
- JuliaHallo Julian, wie geht es dir?Hello Julian, how are you?
- JulianMir geht es sehr gut, danke!I am doing very well, thanks!
- JuliaDas freut mich zu hören.I am happy to hear that.
- JulianUnd wie geht es dir, Julia?And how are you, Julia?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dir, es, wie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
