To say "hello" politely in German, especially in formal settings or when addressing someone you don't know well, you typically use time-specific greetings. These phrases convey a slightly more formal and respectful tone than a simple "Hallo!".
Polite German Greetings
The most common polite ways to greet someone in German depend on the time of day:
German Greeting | English Equivalent | Formality | Typical Usage Time |
---|---|---|---|
Guten Morgen! | Good morning | Slightly formal | Generally used from early morning until noon (around 12 PM). |
Guten Tag! | Good day / Good afternoon | Slightly formal | Most versatile, used from noon until early evening (around 6 PM). |
Guten Abend! | Good evening | Slightly formal | Used from early evening onwards, typically after 6 PM. |
When to Use Polite Greetings
Using Guten Morgen, Guten Tag, or Guten Abend is a sign of politeness and respect.
- In professional settings: When greeting colleagues, clients, or superiors.
- With strangers: When addressing shopkeepers, service staff, or people you encounter publicly.
- When unsure: If you're unsure whether a more casual "Hallo!" is appropriate, opting for the time-specific "Guten..." phrases is always a safe and polite choice.
While "Hallo!" (Hello) is a universally understood and neutral greeting that can be used in many situations, the "Guten..." greetings add a touch of formality that is often appreciated in more polite contexts.