Wie geht es allen?
Wie geht es allen? is the German way to say "how is everyone?"
This phrase is a greeting used to ask about the well-being of a group of people.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "How goes it to everyone?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal setting, such as when addressing colleagues or strangers, you should use Wie geht es Ihnen allen? If you are addressing a group of friends or peers, you can use the informal Wie geht es euch allen? to make the greeting feel more direct and personal. To address multiple people informally, you may also simply say Wie geht es euch?
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying Wie sind alle? While this is a literal translation of "How are all?", it is grammatically incorrect in German when you are asking about how people are feeling or doing.
Did you know?
- While Wie geht es allen? asks about a group, a German speaker might reply with Muss ja, which literally means 'it must'. This is a culturally common way to say things are just okay.
- Unlike in English, where 'how are you' can be a casual greeting not requiring a real answer, Germans often treat Wie geht es? as a genuine question that requires a truthful response.
- Using the formal Ihnen in Wie geht es Ihnen allen? is not just about politeness. In a professional German environment, switching to the informal euch too early can be seen as a significant social boundary violation.
Example conversation
Julia arrives at a small social gathering where Felix is waiting.
- JuliaHallo Felix, wie geht es allen?Hello Felix, how is everyone?
- FelixHallo Julia, es geht allen sehr gut.Hello Julia, everyone is doing very well.
- JuliaDas freut mich zu hören.I am happy to hear that.
- FelixMöchtest du etwas trinken?Would you like something to drink?
