To say hello in German, you say “Guten Nachmittag”. This formal afternoon greeting in German is widely understood and used in all German-speaking countries.
German afternoon greetings
- “Guten Nachmittag”: THE standard formal greeting to know how to say hello in German
- “Thank you Gott”: A common German afternoon greeting in southern Germany, Austria and parts of Switzerland
- “Servus”: A informal German greeting used in southern Germany and Austria, suitable for afternoon
- “Grüezi”: A Swiss-German afternoon greeting used throughout the day
Regional variations of German afternoon greetings
- Northern Germany: “Me” Or “Moin Min” is used as greeting all dayincluding how to say hello in German
- Bavaria: “Griass God“is a dialect version from “Grüß Gott” used as a German afternoon greeting
- Swiss: “Grüessech” is another variant of “Grüezi” used in some Swiss regions for afternoon greetings
Tips for Using Afternoon Greetings in German
- Formality: To use “Guten Nachmittag” (which means “good afternoon”) in formal situations or with people you don’t know
- Time of day: “Guten label“(good day) is acceptable from late morning until evening (around 6 p.m.) as an alternative to the “Guten Nachmittag”
- Handshake: When using German afternoon greetings in person, a firm handshake is common and appropriate
- Eye contact: Make eye contact saying hello in German, but avoid looking
FAQs
What is the most common way to say hello in German?
The most common way to say hello in German is “Guten Nachmittag”. This is a formal greeting widely used and understood in all German-speaking countries.
What does “Guten Nachmittag” mean?
“Guten Nachmittag” literally means “good afternoon” in German. This is a polite greeting used in the afternoon, usually from noon until early evening.
Are there informal greetings in German in the afternoon?
Yes, there are informal greetings in German in the afternoon. Some examples include “Servus” used in southern Germany and Austria, and “Moin” or “Moin Moin” used in northern Germany as an all-day greeting, including post- noon.
How do Swiss Germans say hello?
Swiss Germans often use “Grüezi” as an afternoon greeting. Another variation used in some Swiss regions is “Grüessech”. These greetings are generally used throughout the day, including the afternoon.
When should I use “Guten Nachmittag” compared to other German afternoon greetings?
Use “Guten Nachmittag” in formal situations or with people you don’t know. For more casual contexts or in specific regions, you can use greetings such as “Servus”, “Grüß Gott” or “Moin”, depending on local customs and your relationship with the person you are greeting.