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How to Say ‘How are you? (informal)’ in German

Wie geht es dir?

vee gayt es deer

[vee gayt es deer]

🇩🇪 In Germany: Germans take this as a real question, not a passing hello. Ask it of people you know, and expect an honest answer.

Phrase Breakdown

Wie geht

vee gayt

How goes

The start of 'How are you?'. Say 'vee gate', with 'w' pronounced like an English 'v'.

Example

Wie geht das?

How does that work?

Words in this phrase

Wie

[vee]

how

A word used to ask about the manner or degree of something.

Example

Wie geht es dir?

How are you?

geht

[gayt]

goes / is going

Part of the phrase meaning 'how is it going'.

Example

Wie geht es dir heute am Abend?

How are you today in the evening?

es dir?

es deer

it to you? (informal)

'dir' is the informal 'to you' and sounds like 'deer'. Let your voice rise for the question.

Example

Gefällt es dir?

Do you like it?

Words in this phrase

[es]

A neutral pronoun used to refer to a thing previously mentioned.

Example

Es ist ein schöner Tag.

It is a beautiful day.

dir

[deer]

to you

The dative form of 'du', used when something suits or is good for you.

Example

Passt dir dieser Termin?

Does this appointment suit you?

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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