How to Say ‘How are you?’ in German
Wie geht es dir?
vee gayt ess deer
[vee gayt ess deer]
💬 Usage Tip: [dir] is the informal 'to you' form used after [es geht]. The same pattern changes with the person: [mir], [dir], [ihm], [ihr], [uns], [euch], [Ihnen].
🇩🇪 In Germany: Use this only with someone you're already on [du] terms with. With older in-laws especially, some families prefer [Wie geht es Ihnen?] until they clearly switch.
Phrase Breakdown
Wie
[vee]
how
Question word used to ask about someone's condition.
Wie geht es dir nach dem Meeting?
How are you after the meeting?
geht
[gayt]
goes; is going
Used in the fixed phrase for asking how someone is.
Wie geht es dir heute?
How are you today?
es
[ess]
it
Part of the standard expression 'Wie geht es...?'
Wie geht es dir mit der neuen Arbeit?
How are you doing with the new job?
dir
[deer]
you
The dative singular form of informal 'du,' used when asking one person how they are.
Wie geht es dir nach der Feier?
How are you after the party?
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