How to Say Hi in German is one of the first things every learner wants to master—and for good reason! If you’re visiting Germany, chatting with a native speaker, or just starting your language journey, knowing how to greet someone sets the tone for any conversation.

German has a variety of greetings, each with its own level of formality, regional flavor, and cultural background. In this guide, you’ll learn how to say hi in German using 15 authentic greetings, complete with examples and origins that bring each phrase to life.
Understanding how to say hi in German helps you connect more naturally with locals and shows cultural respect. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in your communication.

Hi in German Examples & Origins

Let’s explore 15 real ways to say hi in German, complete with example conversations and cultural insight.

1. Hallo – Hello

Origin:
The most direct and widely used equivalent to “hello” in German. It’s universal and works in nearly every context.

Example:
👤 User A: Hallo, Anna! Wie geht’s?
👤 User B: Hallo! Mir geht’s gut, danke!

Use: Neutral and appropriate for almost all situations, formal or casual.

2. Hi

Origin:
Borrowed directly from English, “Hi” is used among younger people and in casual contexts across German-speaking countries.

Example:
👤 User A: Hi Ben, alles klar?
👤 User B: Hi! Ja, super bei mir!

Use: Very informal and friendly.

3. Guten Morgen – Good Morning

Origin:
Traditional formal greeting used in the morning hours, similar to English.

Example:
👤 User A: Guten Morgen, Herr Müller.
👤 User B: Guten Morgen, Frau Schneider.

Use: Formal; used until around 11 a.m.

4. Guten Tag – Good Day

Origin:
This is a standard polite greeting used across German-speaking areas during the daytime.

Example:
👤 User A: Guten Tag! Ich habe einen Termin um 14 Uhr.
👤 User B: Guten Tag, bitte nehmen Sie Platz.

Use: Formal and polite; perfect for professional or customer service situations.

5. Servus

Origin:
Used mainly in Southern Germany (Bavaria), Austria, and Switzerland. Derived from Latin “servus humillimus,” meaning “your humble servant.”

Example:
👤 User A: Servus, wie geht’s?
👤 User B: Servus! Alles bestens!

Use: Friendly and regional; informal but respectful.

6. Moin

Origin:
A Northern German greeting, particularly from Hamburg and coastal regions. Used any time of day, despite sounding like “morning.”

Example:
👤 User A: Moin! Schon unterwegs?
👤 User B: Moin! Ja, muss früh los heute.

Use: Casual; regionally popular in the north.

7. Grüß dich – Greetings to you

Origin:
Common in Southern Germany and Austria. A friendly, slightly old-fashioned expression.

Example:
👤 User A: Grüß dich, Thomas! Lange nicht gesehen.
👤 User B: Grüß dich! Schön, dich zu sehen.

Use: Informal and warm; used between friends or neighbors.

8. Grüß Gott – God greet you

Origin:
A very traditional greeting used in Bavaria and Austria, often during the daytime. Literally translates to “God greet you.”

Example:
👤 User A: Grüß Gott! Kann ich Ihnen helfen?
👤 User B: Grüß Gott! Ich suche das Rathaus.

Use: Respectful and cultural; often used by older generations or in rural areas.

9. Tag – Day

Origin:
Shortened version of “Guten Tag.” More casual but still polite.

Example:
👤 User A: Tag! Hast du kurz Zeit?
👤 User B: Tag! Klar, was gibt’s?

Use: Semi-casual; used often in daily conversations.

10. Na? – Well?

Origin:
Extremely casual and uniquely German. “Na?” is like saying “What’s up?” or “Hey!” and often expects a short reply.

Example:
👤 User A: Na? Alles fit?
👤 User B: Na klar! Und bei dir?

Use: Very informal; mostly used among close friends.

11. Hey

Origin:
Borrowed from English, now used casually among younger people in Germany.

Example:
👤 User A: Hey, wie läuft’s im Studium?
👤 User B: Hey! Ganz gut, danke.

Use: Informal, modern, and often online.

12. Yo

Origin:
Youth slang adopted from American culture and hip-hop, commonly used in texting and among teens.

Example:
👤 User A: Yo, Bock auf Kino heute?
👤 User B: Yo, bin dabei!

Use: Very casual; modern youth slang.

13. Alles klar? – All good?

Origin:
Literally means “Everything clear?” but is used as a casual “hi/how are you?” greeting.

Example:
👤 User A: Alles klar, Jan?
👤 User B: Alles klar! Und bei dir?

Use: Casual, often among young adults.

14. Was geht? – What’s up?

Origin:
German equivalent of “What’s going on?”, popular in youth slang and urban settings.

Example:
👤 User A: Was geht, Bruder?
👤 User B: Nicht viel, alles chillig!

Use: Very informal; used among close friends.

15. Hallöchen – Little Hello

Origin:
A cute, playful version of “Hallo.” The “-chen” suffix makes it a diminutive form in German, like saying “Heya” or “Hi-hi!”

Example:
👤 User A: Hallöchen! Na, wie war dein Wochenende?
👤 User B: Hallöchen! Super, danke der Nachfrage!

Use: Playful and sweet; often used with kids, friends, or in texts.

Conclusion:

Now that you’ve explored 15 unique ways of how to say hi in German, you’re well on your way to making meaningful connections in any German-speaking setting.

From casual hellos like “Hallo” to more regional or formal greetings, each phrase adds depth to your cultural understanding.
Keep practicing these greetings in real-life conversations to build confidence and sound more natural.
Learning how to say hi in German is a simple yet powerful way to start speaking with confidence and respect.