Learning to say hello in German is much more than knowing “Hallo,” though that works in most situations. Native speakers use a range of forms depending on the context, their regional location, and the level of formality. Whether you’re traveling through Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, or simply interacting with German speakers online, these greetings will make your communication feel more authentic to them.
In this article, we will explore 20 ways to greet in German—from formal phrases and casual slang to even regional greetings.
Formal German Greetings
In a professional setting or when addressing someone you don’t know well, formal greetings are your go-to. These are polite and proper for business meetings, official events, or addressing elders.
Guten Tag
Translation: Good day
A very general and classic greeting used predominantly between late morning and early afternoon. It’s a good phrase for being polite without being overly formal.
Guten Morgen
Translation: Good morning
Use this greeting before noon. It’s professional for work situations yet warm and friendly.
Guten Abend
Translation: Good evening
The evening counterpart of “Guten Tag,” this greeting is used when you’re greeting someone in the late afternoon or after sundown.
Grüß Gott
Translation: May God greet you
A very formal way of greeting someone, used in southern Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland. Although it has cultural and religious overtones, it works in both formal and informal settings.
Wie geht es Ihnen?
Translation: How are you? (formal)
This is a formal way to ask how someone is doing. Paired with “Guten Tag” or “Guten Morgen,” it’s a polite way to break the ice.
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren
Translation: Dear ladies and gentlemen
Although this phrase is more often used in written communication, it’s also a formal way to address a group of people at an event or presentation.
Herzlich willkommen
Translation: A warm welcome
When receiving people for an event or gathering, especially in a formal context, you say this. It’s friendly but not too informal.
Informal German Greetings
For more casual gatherings—whether talking to friends, family, or acquaintances—these informal greetings will help you sound like a native speaker.
Hallo
Translation: Hello
This is the most common, friendly, and versatile greeting. “Hallo” works in almost any setting and is the default for many informal encounters.
Hi
Translation: Hi
German speakers—especially younger ones—often use “Hi,” borrowed from English. It’s an easy way of greeting someone informally.
Hey
Another informal greeting, popular especially in social circles. It’s relaxed, best used with friends or close peers.
Na?
Translation: Well? / What’s up?
This super casual greeting among younger people or close friends usually follows with “Wie geht’s?” (How’s it going?) to check in with the person.
Alles klar?
Translation: Everything alright?
Like “How’s it going?” or “What’s up?” in English. It’s highly informal and great for greeting friends.
Was geht ab?
Translation: What’s up?
Slang greeting among young Germans, it’s as laid-back and fun as its English counterpart.
Moin
Translation: Hi (Northern Germany)
Used mainly in northern Germany, “Moin” is an informal greeting for any time of day, not just the morning. Quick, casual, and regional.
Servus
Translation: Hello (Southern Germany, Austria)
A standard greeting in southern Germany and Austria. It’s informal but friendly, also used to say goodbye.
Tach
Translation: Hi (Colloquial)
Short for “Tag” (day), this is a very informal greeting used in parts of Germany, especially the Rhineland. It’s the rough equivalent of saying “G’day” in English.
Grüzi
Translation: Hello (Swiss German)
In Switzerland, “Grüzi” is a common greeting, at least in informal situations. It’s polite yet laid-back.
Yo
Translation: Yo
Borrowed from English, “Yo” is sometimes used among younger Germans, especially in casual, slang-filled conversations.
Regional Greetings
German has many dialects and regional sayings, even for greetings. Here are a few to consider:
Grüß dich
Translation: Greetings to you (Bavaria, Austria)
This is the normal greeting in southern Germany and Austria. It’s informal, friendly, and used in casual situations while greeting friends or family.
Halli-Hallo
Translation: Hello (playful)
This is a playful greeting often used by children or among friends. It’s lighthearted and usually said with a smile.
Greetings Like a Native Speaker—Tips
- Time and place—match the tone: Use formal greetings in formal or unfamiliar settings; informal greetings with friends or people your age.
- Time of day: Adjust according to the time of day with “Guten Morgen,” “Guten Tag,” and “Guten Abend.” These help show the time of day while keeping the greeting appropriate.
- Choose region: As mentioned, different regions have their own greetings. Be aware of where you are and greet accordingly.
- Body language: A typical greeting in formal settings would include a firm handshake with eye contact in German-speaking cultures.
Conclusion
With these 20 ways to greet someone in German, you’re now ready to sound like a native—whether in a board meeting or at a casual hangout. You won’t just sound more natural, but with these greetings, you show respect for the culture and customs of German-speaking countries. Next time you meet someone, try switching up your “Hallo” to something new, like “Grüß Gott” or “Was geht ab?!”
