Ever wondered how to say hi in German? 😊 Whether you’re planning a trip to Germany, chatting online with a German friend, or just love learning new languages, this guide is made just for you.
Here, you’ll learn exactly how to greet someone in German like a native — from casual hellos to polite introductions.
We’ll walk through pronunciation, context, and even fun cultural tips so you can sound confident and natural.
By the end, you won’t just know how to say “hi” — you’ll know when and how to use it perfectly.
Let’s dive in and make your first German conversation unforgettable! 🇩🇪
Different Ways to Say “Hi” in German
1. Hallo | The Universal “Hi”
Pronunciation: HAH-loh
This is your go-to greeting for almost any situation. “Hallo” is friendly, simple, and used all across Germany — kind of like saying “hi” or “hello” in English. You can use it with friends, colleagues, or even strangers.
Example:
- Hallo, wie geht’s? — “Hi, how are you?”
💡 Cultural Tip: Germans often greet with a smile and eye contact — it’s a sign of respect and friendliness.
2. Hi | Yes, Germans Use “Hi” Too!
Pronunciation: H-eye
Interestingly, the English “Hi” has become common in Germany, especially among younger people and in cities. It’s casual, cool, and easy to use.
Example:
- Hi! Schön, dich zu sehen! — “Hi! Nice to see you!”
3. Guten Tag | The Polite “Good Day”
Pronunciation: GOO-ten tahk
If you’re in a formal setting — like greeting a teacher, a boss, or someone older — “Guten Tag” is the perfect choice. It’s respectful yet warm.
Example:
- Guten Tag, Herr Müller! — “Good day, Mr. Müller!”
🕒 When to Use: During daytime, especially before evening hours.
4. Servus | Southern Germany & Austria’s Favorite
Pronunciation: Zair-voos
If you travel to Bavaria or Austria, you’ll often hear “Servus.” It’s a regional way to say both “hi” and “bye,” similar to “Ciao” in Italian.
Example:
- Servus! Wie läuft’s? — “Hi! How’s it going?”
5. Moin | The Northern Hello
Pronunciation: Moyn
In Northern Germany, especially Hamburg and Bremen, people greet each other with “Moin.” Some even say “Moin Moin” for extra cheer!
Example:
- Moin! Alles klar? — “Hi! Everything okay?”
💬 Cultural Note: “Moin” works all day long — morning, noon, or night. It’s short, warm, and very local.
Formal vs. Informal Greetings
Just like English, German has both formal and informal ways to say hello.
| Context | Greeting | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| Formal (office, strangers) | Guten Tag | GOO-ten tahk | Good day |
| Formal (evening) | Guten Abend | GOO-ten AH-bent | Good evening |
| Informal (friends, family) | Hallo | HAH-loh | Hi / Hello |
| Informal (regional) | Servus / Moin | Zair-voos / Moyn | Hi / Bye |
🗣️ Tip: Use Sie (formal “you”) with polite greetings and du (informal “you”) with close friends or peers.
Common Follow Up Phrases
After saying “hi,” you’ll want to keep the conversation going! Here are some easy follow-ups:
| English | German | Pronunciation |
| How are you? | Wie geht’s? | Vee gates |
| I’m fine, thanks! | Mir geht’s gut, danke! | Meer gates goot, dahn-ke |
| Nice to meet you | Schön, dich kennenzulernen | Shurn dikh ken-en-zu-lair-nen |
| Goodbye | Tschüss / Auf Wiedersehen | Choos / Owf vee-der-zayn |
Fun Fact 🎉
In Germany, greetings are often taken seriously — even neighbors or shopkeepers will greet you with a cheerful “Hallo” or “Guten Tag.” Ignoring a greeting might be seen as impolite, so don’t be shy to smile and say hello back!
Conclusion 🌻
Now you know several ways to say hi in German, along with when and how to use each one. Whether you’re texting a German friend, traveling abroad, or learning for fun, these greetings will help you start conversations with confidence. So next time you meet someone, give them a friendly “Hallo!” — it’s the first step to building a connection.
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