Wie geht es Ihnen?
How are you? (formal)
Pronunciation
/viː ɡeːt ɛs ˈiːnən/
Cultural Note
This is the formal version using 'Sie.' Unlike in English, Germans generally expect an honest (if brief) answer rather than an automatic 'fine.' A common response is 'Gut, danke, und Ihnen?' (Good, thanks, and you?). The informal version is 'Wie geht es dir?' or simply 'Wie geht's?'
📝 Example Sentences
Guten Tag, wie geht es Ihnen?
Good day, how are you?
Wie geht es Ihnen heute?
How are you today?
Wie geht es Ihnen? — Danke, gut.
How are you? — Fine, thank you.
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