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How do you say hello in German politely?

Published in German Greetings 2 mins read

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.