Hallo
Guten Morgen
Auf Wiedersehen, Tschüss
Gute Nacht
Hallo – Hello
Hallo is the most common and straightforward way to say "hello" in German. It's used in nearly all situations, both formal and informal, especially among younger people.
- Used for both formal and informal situations, especially among younger speakers.
- Can be used any time of day.
- Similar to the English "hello."
Hallo
Guten Tag – Good Day
Guten Tag ("Good day") is a polite, standard greeting suitable for formal and semi-formal contexts. It’s typically used during daytime hours from about 9 AM to early evening.
- Used in formal or professional situations.
- Appropriate between strangers, colleagues, or in business.
- Typically used from morning until early evening.
During daytime formal or semi-formal situations
Guten Morgen – Good Morning
Guten Morgen is used to wish someone a good morning, usually until about 10 or 11 AM. It’s appropriate in both formal and informal settings.
- Used from waking hours until late morning.
- Suitable for any situation where a morning greeting is needed.
Guten Morgen
Guten Abend – Good Evening
Guten Abend is the equivalent of "good evening" and is used from around 5 or 6 PM onward. It can be used for both greeting and parting in the evening.
- Used when meeting people in the evening.
- Appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.
In the evening, as a greeting or farewell
Auf Wiedersehen – Goodbye (Formal)
Auf Wiedersehen literally means "until we see each other again." It’s a formal way to say goodbye and is commonly used in professional or polite social settings.
- Used primarily as a farewell.
- Suitable for formal or semi-formal situations.
- Implies you expect to see the person again.
Auf Wiedersehen, Tschüss
Tschüss – Bye (Informal)
Tschüss is an informal, casual way to say goodbye, commonly used among friends, family, and young people.
- Not appropriate for formal situations.
- Very common in everyday informal conversation.
Gute Nacht – Good Night
Gute Nacht is used when parting for the night or when someone is going to bed. It’s appropriate in both personal and family contexts.
- Used when people are going to sleep or leaving at night.
- Not typically used as a general evening farewell.
Gute Nacht
Summary
| German | English | When to Use | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hallo | Hello | Anytime, most situations | Informal/Formal* |
| Guten Tag | Good Day | Daytime greeting | Formal/Semi-formal |
| Guten Morgen | Good Morning | Morning (until ~10-11 AM) | All |
| Guten Abend | Good Evening | Evening (from ~5-6 PM) | All |
| Auf Wiedersehen | Goodbye | When parting | Formal |
| Tschüss | Bye | Casual goodbye | Informal |
| Gute Nacht | Good Night | When going to bed | All (Personal) |
Conclusion
German greetings vary by time of day and level of formality. Mastering these basics will help you navigate social situations smoothly.
- Use Hallo for a universal "hello."
- Match greetings to the time of day: Guten Morgen, Guten Tag, Guten Abend.
- Say goodbye with Auf Wiedersehen (formal) or Tschüss (informal).