gleichfalls
In German, "same to you" is expressed as gleichfalls.
gleichfalls is used as a polite response to a wish or greeting. You can also use the synonym ebenso to mean "likewise" or "the same to you".
Meaning: I wish to you what you have just wished to me (phrase)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
gleichfalls is a standard, polite way to respond to well-wishes in both formal and neutral settings. In a formal context, you might use Vielen Dank, ebenfalls. (Thank you very much, likewise.), Gleichfalls. (Likewise.), or Das wünsche ich Ihnen auch. (I wish the same to you.). In an informal context, you can say Dir auch. (To you too.).
How does it change in a sentence?
gleichfalls is an adverb and does not change its form based on the gender or number of the person being addressed.
Did you know?
- In Germany, gleichfalls is the standard 'automatic' response to a waiter saying 'Enjoy your meal' (Guten Appetit), even though the waiter is not eating.
- While gleichfalls is polite, responding to a negative wish with the same word can be a sharp way to return an insult or a curse in German.
- The component 'Fall' in gleichfalls is a cognate of the English word 'fall', but in this German context, it refers to a situation or circumstance rather than a downward movement.
Examples in context
- Vielen Dank, ebenfalls.Thank you very much, likewise.
- Gleichfalls.Likewise.
- Das wünsche ich Ihnen auch.I wish the same to you.
- Danke, gleichfalls.Thanks, likewise.
- Dir auch.To you too.
- Gleiches.Same to you.
- Danke, gleichfalls!Thanks, same to you!
- Gleichfalls, einen schönen Abend noch.Same to you, have a nice evening.
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are leaving a coffee shop.
- LauraEinen schönen Tag noch, Maximilian!Have a nice day, Maximilian!
- MaximilianDanke, gleichfalls, Laura!Thanks, same to you, Laura!
- LauraBis bald!See you soon!
- MaximilianTschüss!Bye!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gleichfalls, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
