Good Morning in German: A Complete Guide to German Greetings 🌞

Learning how to say good morning in German is one of the first and most useful skills when you start studying the language. Greetings are not just words—they’re part of German culture, showing respect, friendliness, and sometimes even regional identity. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time, chatting with friends, or practicing for your Goethe-Institut exam, knowing the right greeting makes a big difference.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to say good morning in German, along with other greetings for different times of day, formal and informal situations, and regional variations across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. You’ll also get handy tips on German etiquette, pronunciation, and cultural do’s and don’ts.

German Greetings for Different Times of Day

Here’s how you greet someone depending on the time:

• Guten Morgen – Good morning (used until around 10–11 a.m.)
• Guten Tag – Good day/afternoon (used late morning until early evening)
• Guten Abend – Good evening (used from around 6 p.m. onward)
• Gute Nacht – Good night (used when parting for the night or going to bed)
• Hallo – A simple “hello,” works almost anytime
• Hi – Casual greeting, mostly among friends and younger people
• Grüß dich – Friendly, informal greeting (literally “greet you”)
• Servus – Informal hello/goodbye, common in Austria and Bavaria
• Moin – Short and casual greeting in northern Germany (any time of day)
• Grüezi – Standard greeting in Switzerland

Guten Morgen – Good Morning 🌅

• The most common and polite way to say good morning in German.
• Used until late morning (around 11 a.m.).
• Pronunciation: [ˈɡuːtən ˈmɔʁɡn̩].

Guten Tag – Good Afternoon/Day ☀️

• Equivalent to “good day” or “good afternoon.”
• Common in shops, offices, and formal settings.
• Pronunciation: [ˈɡuːtən taːk].

Guten Abend – Good Evening 🌆

• Used when meeting or arriving somewhere in the evening.
• Polite and widely used in restaurants, events, or visits.

Gute Nacht – Good Night 🌙

• A farewell, not a greeting.
• Said when leaving at night or before bed.

👉 Quick tip: Don’t say “Gute Nacht” when arriving somewhere in the evening—it’s only for departures.

Formal vs. Informal German Greetings

German makes a clear distinction between formal (Sie) and informal (du). Knowing when to use each is crucial.

• Formal greetings (Sie):
  • Used with strangers, elders, teachers, or in business settings.
  • Examples: Guten Morgen, Guten Tag, Guten Abend.
  • Paired with a handshake in many cases.
• Informal greetings (du):
  • Used with friends, children, family, and close colleagues.
  • Examples: Hallo, Hi, Grüß dich, Servus, Moin.
• Important cultural note:
  • Germans often wait until invited before switching from Sie (formal) to du (informal).

👉 Using the wrong form can feel rude, so start with formal greetings unless you’re sure informal is okay.

Regional Variations in German Greetings

Different German-speaking regions have their own local greetings that reflect culture and tradition.

Northern Germany: Moin 🌊

• Short, friendly, and used all day.
• Originates from “Morgen” but now works anytime.
• Very common in Hamburg and coastal areas.

Southern Germany & Austria: Grüß Gott and Servus 🏔️

• Grüß Gott means “God bless you.”
• Polite, traditional, and widely used in Bavaria and Austria.
• Servus works for both hello and goodbye, informal but very common.

Switzerland: Grüezi 🇨🇭

• Standard greeting in Swiss German.
• Often shortened to “Grüezi mitenand” (hello everyone).
• Formal and polite, used in both shops and daily encounters.

Cultural Tips for Greeting Etiquette in Germany

Greeting in Germany is not only about words but also behavior.

• A firm handshake is common in formal settings.
• Make eye contact when greeting someone—it shows respect.
• Use titles (Herr, Frau, Dr., Prof.) when addressing formally.
• Don’t hug or kiss cheeks unless you are close friends.
• Say Guten Appetit before eating and Prost when toasting.
• Punctuality is highly valued—arriving late to a meeting or meal without a greeting is frowned upon.
• When entering a room (e.g., a doctor’s waiting room), it’s polite to greet everyone with a simple “Guten Tag.”

👉 These small gestures go a long way in showing cultural respect.

Next Steps: Learn More & Keep Practising 📘

If you want to get better at greetings and conversations in German:

• Practice daily by greeting friends, family, or even yourself in German.
• Use apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise to repeat greetings in context.
• Watch German shows or listen to podcasts to hear greetings in action.
• Consider taking a German tutor class or online course.
• Prepare for Goethe-Zertifikat exams by learning how to introduce yourself properly.

The more you practice, the more natural your greetings will feel.

Conclusion: 

Learning how to say good morning in German is more than just picking up a new phrase—it’s about understanding the culture, respect, and warmth behind every greeting. Whether you say Guten Morgen, Grüß Gott, or Moin, each expression reflects regional charm and social etiquette. By mastering formal and informal greetings, along with proper body language and pronunciation, you can confidently connect with people across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

So next time you greet someone, remember that a simple Guten Morgen can do more than start a conversation—it can build trust, show respect, and brighten someone’s day.