How to Say How Are You in German
Learn how to write the phrase first., Learn how to pronounce the relevant phrase.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Learn how to write the phrase first.
The expression in German for "How are you?" is : "Wie geht es dir?"
- if you are addressing someone you are well acquainted with, or a friend for instance.
It is the informal singular form.
It can be shortened in conversation to: "Wie geht's?" "Wie geht es euch?"
- if you are addressing a group of people you are well acquainted with, or a group of friends.
It is the informal plural form. "Wie geht es Ihnen?"
- if you are addressing someone higher in hierarchy, someone you do not know or a client, for instance.
It can be either a formal singular form or a formal plural form. -
Step 2: Learn how to pronounce the relevant phrase.
Train before you actually have to say it, because it's about being natural and not creating an awkward moment.
But don't worry, you'll get the hang of it very quickly:
Wie : no problem, you can pronounce it as "vee"
except that the vowel is slightly shorter. geht : it is a sound that doesn't exist in English, but that would be a long . es : actually, when you say it out loud, you only hear an "s". dir : a long "e" sound with a barely pronounced "r". euch : is basically pronounced the same as in "oil". "ch" is a very specific German sound, like the hissing sound of a cat.
Ihnen : it sounds like , and the last syllable is barely pronounced.
Detailed Guide
The expression in German for "How are you?" is : "Wie geht es dir?"
- if you are addressing someone you are well acquainted with, or a friend for instance.
It is the informal singular form.
It can be shortened in conversation to: "Wie geht's?" "Wie geht es euch?"
- if you are addressing a group of people you are well acquainted with, or a group of friends.
It is the informal plural form. "Wie geht es Ihnen?"
- if you are addressing someone higher in hierarchy, someone you do not know or a client, for instance.
It can be either a formal singular form or a formal plural form.
Train before you actually have to say it, because it's about being natural and not creating an awkward moment.
But don't worry, you'll get the hang of it very quickly:
Wie : no problem, you can pronounce it as "vee"
except that the vowel is slightly shorter. geht : it is a sound that doesn't exist in English, but that would be a long . es : actually, when you say it out loud, you only hear an "s". dir : a long "e" sound with a barely pronounced "r". euch : is basically pronounced the same as in "oil". "ch" is a very specific German sound, like the hissing sound of a cat.
Ihnen : it sounds like , and the last syllable is barely pronounced.
About the Author
Rebecca Flores
Creates helpful guides on home improvement to inspire and educate readers.
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