Wie geht es dir heute?
The English phrase "how are you doing today?" is translated into German as Wie geht es dir heute?
You can also use the casual Alles klar bei dir heute? to mean "Everything okay with you today?" when checking in on someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Wie geht es dir heute? literally translates to "How goes it to you today?"
Which one should you use?
The default form Wie geht es dir heute? uses the informal dir, making it appropriate for friends, family or children. In contrast, Wie geht's? is a shorter, common way to ask "How are you doing?" among friends and acquaintances.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use Wie geht es Ihnen heute? when speaking to a stranger, a superior or in a professional setting to be polite. If you are addressing more than one person whom you address informally, such as a group of friends, use Wie geht es euch heute?
When do people say it?
A common way to respond to this question is Mir geht es gut, danke (I am doing well, thank you).
Did you know?
- In some regions, a simple grunt or a short Na? can function as a complete replacement for Wie geht es dir?, combining a greeting and a question into one syllable.
- While English speakers often answer 'fine' or 'good', Germans may provide a more honest and detailed account of their day when asked Wie geht es dir?
- In German culture, asking Wie geht es Ihnen? in a professional setting is often a formal social ritual rather than a genuine inquiry into someone's health.
Examples in context
- Hallo Laura, wie geht es dir heute?Hello Laura, how are you doing today?
- Sag mal, wie geht es dir heute?Tell me, how are you doing today?
Example conversation
Lukas meets Laura at a cafe in the morning.
- LukasGuten Morgen, Laura! Wie geht es dir heute?Good morning, Laura! How are you doing today?
- LauraDanke, Lukas, mir geht es sehr gut.Thanks, Lukas, I am doing very well.
- LukasDas freut mich zu hören.I am happy to hear that.
- LauraUnd wie geht es dir?And how are you doing?
