German Culture: Introduction to German Greetings

When learning a new language, the first words we often reach for are greetings. More than just polite phrases, these words open doors, spark connections and build bridges across cultures. For Janel Schermerhorn, former President of the American Women’s Club of Berlin, greetings are more than a formality. These statements are the foundation of belonging — and the beginning of a true connection of friendship and understanding. 

Basic German Greetings

German, like English, has different greetings depending on the time of day and level of formality. Here are a few essentials to get you started:

• Hallo!

— universal “Hello!” (casual, friendly and always appropriate)

• Guten Morgen! (Good morning)

— warm way to begin your day with others

• Guten Tag! (Good day)

— standard, polite greeting for the afternoon and early evening

• Guten Abend! (Good evening)

— Perfect for later in the day when the sun begins to set

• Tschüss!

— cheerful, casual way to say goodbye to friends and acquaintances.

• Auf Wiedersehen! (Until we see each other again)

—  A formal and respectful goodbye, often used in shops, workplaces or when speaking with strangers.

• Grüß Gott!

— Common in southern Germany and Austria, this greeting reflects cultural tradition and literally means “Greet God.”

Why Greetings Matter

As someone passionate about building strong communities, Janel Schermerhorn embraces the value of greetings — whether in German, English or any other language!  A greeting is a point of connection and the start of potentially something grand — each and every time.  To Schermerhorn, learning even a few words in another language is a powerful act of connection. A simple “Guten Tag” can brighten someone’s day and show that you are making an effort to engage with their culture. These moments create community — whether you are an expatriate in Berlin, a traveler in Munich, or simply a student learning from home.

Language is not only about vocabulary; it’s about the values we carry through it. By practicing greetings, you are practicing respect, openness and curiosity.