Ich hoffe, es geht dir gut
The English phrase 'I hope you feel well' can be expressed in German as Ich hoffe, es geht dir gut.
This phrase is used to express a wish that someone is doing well in general. It is a common, polite way to open letters or emails to friends or acquaintances to inquire about their general state of being.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to 'I hope it goes to you well'.
Which one should you use?
While Ich hoffe, es geht dir gut refers to a person's general well-being, you should use Gute Besserung! if you are specifically wishing that someone gets well soon because they are currently sick or injured.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of people that you know informally, replace the singular dir with euch to say Ich hoffe, es geht euch gut.
Did you know?
- If a German speaker responds to this wish with Es geht, they aren't saying 'it goes' but rather 'so-so'. It is a common way to avoid saying they are actually doing poorly.
- The German word gut comes from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to unite' or 'to suit'. This reveals that the original idea of 'good' was about things fitting together harmoniously.
- The word es in this phrase acts as a placeholder for the impersonal state of affairs, rather than referring to a specific object.
Examples in context
- Guten Tag, Herr Schmidt. Ich wollte nur vorbeikommen und sagen, dass ich hoffe, es geht Ihnen gut.Good day, Mr. Schmidt. I just wanted to stop by and say that I hope you are doing well.
- Hallo, Lisa. Lange nicht gesehen! Ich wollte nur mal vorbeikommen und sagen, ich hoffe, es geht dir gut.Hello, Lisa. Long time no see! I just wanted to come by and say I hope you are doing well.
- Hey, Alex. Ich habe gehört, dass du krank bist. Gute Besserung!Hey, Alex. I heard you're sick. Get well soon!
- Ich hoffe, es geht dir gut im neuen Job.I hope you are doing well in the new job.
- Schreib mir bald, ich hoffe, es geht dir gut.Write to me soon, I hope you are doing well.
Example conversation
Hannah calls Julian to check in on him after a long time.
- HannahHallo Julian, ich hoffe, es geht dir gut.Hello Julian, I hope you are doing well.
- JulianDanke, Hannah, mir geht es sehr gut.Thanks, Hannah, I am doing very well.
- HannahDas freut mich sehr zu hören.I am very happy to hear that.
- JulianUnd wie geht es dir?And how are you doing?
