Was geht
/vas ˈɡeːt/
The English phrase "wassup" can be translated into German as Was geht.
Was geht is an informal greeting used to ask someone how they are or what is happening. It is distinct from Wie geht es dir?, which is a more standard way to ask "How are you?"
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal shortening of Was geht ab?, which means "What is going on?" or "What's going on?"
Which one should you use?
While Was geht is used as a greeting, the full version of the phrase is Was geht ab?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Was geht is a highly informal, colloquial greeting used primarily among younger people or close friends.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In northern Germany, a casual way to say "hello" is Moin! Bavaria and Austria often use the greeting Servus, which is equivalent to the English "hi" or "hello".
When do people say it?
A common response to Was geht is Nicht viel, mirroring the English response "Not much".
Did you know?
- The phrase Was geht ab? can also be used to describe a party or event that is becoming wild or exciting, rather than just as a greeting.
- While Was geht is the 'wassup' of the youth, the northern Moin can be used at any hour of the day or night, regardless of the sun's position.
- If you respond to Was geht with the standard Mir geht es gut, you might sound accidentally formal or stiff because you are answering a colloquialism with a textbook phrase.
Examples in context
- Was geht ab?Wassup?
- Hey, was geht bei dir?Hey, how's it going with you?
- Was geht heute so?What's happening today?
Example conversation
Two friends meet in a park.
- LukasWas geht, Sarah?Wassup, Sarah?
- SarahNicht viel, Lukas. Und bei dir?Not much, Lukas. And you?
- LukasAlles bestens!Everything is great!
- SarahDas freut mich.I'm glad to hear that.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry was geht.
