What does it mean word for word?
The word gleichfalls is a combination of gleich, meaning 'equal' or 'same' and the suffix -falls, meaning 'in the manner of' or 'in the case of', so it literally means 'in the same manner'.
Which one should you use?
While gleichfalls is a standard response to a wish, ebenso is a slightly more formal synonym that can also be used to mean 'similarly' in descriptive contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Gleichfalls is a formal way to say 'Same to you!' and can be used interchangeably with Ebenfalls. In casual conversation, people often use the informal dir auch (to you too) or the polite Ihnen auch (to you too) when responding to a wish. Other informal ways to express 'same here' include Mir auch, Mir geht's genauso and Echt? Ich auch! (Really? Me too!).
Did you know?
- The word gleich in gleichfalls is a linguistic 'double agent'. It can mean 'equal' in mathematical terms, 'the same' in comparisons, or 'immediately' when describing time.
- The root gleich is a cognate of the English word 'like'. Both words stem from a Proto-Germanic root describing things that are level or similar.
- While gleichfalls is a perfect response to 'Have a nice day', using it to respond to 'I am hungry' would sound quite strange. It is specifically reserved for reciprocating wishes or desires rather than sharing a state of being.
Examples in context
- Ich wünsche Ihnen einen schönen Tag. / Gleichfalls!I wish you a nice day. / Same to you!
- Ich finde den Film klasse. / Echt? Ich auch!I think the movie is great. / Really? Me too!
Example conversation
Two colleagues are leaving the office on a Friday afternoon.
- LukasSchönen Feierabend, Julia!Have a nice evening, Julia!
- JuliaDanke, gleichfalls, Lukas!Thanks, same to you, Lukas!
- LukasGenieß dein Wochenende!Enjoy your weekend!
- JuliaDas werde ich, danke!I will, thanks!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gleichfalls, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
