How to Say Good Afternoon in German

German afternoon greetings

• "Guten Nachmittag": The standard formal greeting for how to say good afternoon in German
• "Grüß Gott": A common German afternoon greeting in Southern Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland
• "Servus": An informal German greeting used in Southern Germany and Austria, suitable for afternoon
• "Grüezi": A Swiss German afternoon greeting used throughout the day

Regional variations of German afternoon greetings

• Northern Germany: "Moin" or "Moin Moin" is used as an all-day greeting, including how to say good afternoon in German
• Bavaria: "Griaß God" is a dialectal version of "Grüß Gott" used as a German afternoon greeting
• Switzerland: "Grüessech" is another variation of "Grüezi" used in some Swiss regions for afternoon greetings

Usage tips for German afternoon greetings

• Formality: Use "Guten Nachmittag" (meaning "good afternoon") in formal situations or with people you're not familiar with
• Time of day: "Guten Tag" (good day) is acceptable from late morning until evening (around 18:00) as an alternative to "Guten Nachmittag"
• Handshake: When using German afternoon greetings in person, a firm handshake is common and appropriate
• Eye contact: Make eye contact when saying good afternoon in German, but avoid staring

FAQ

What is the most common way to say good afternoon in German?

The most common way to say good afternoon in German is "Guten Nachmittag." This is a formal greeting widely used and understood throughout German-speaking countries.

What does "Guten Nachmittag" mean?

"Guten Nachmittag" literally means "good afternoon" in German. It's a polite greeting used during the afternoon hours, typically from around noon until early evening.

Are there any informal German afternoon greetings?

Yes, there are informal German afternoon greetings. Some examples include "Servus" used in Southern Germany and Austria, and "Moin" or "Moin Moin" used in Northern Germany as an all-day greeting, including the afternoon.

How do Swiss Germans say good afternoon?

Swiss Germans often use "Grüezi" as an afternoon greeting. Another variation used in some Swiss regions is "Grüessech." These greetings are typically used throughout the day, including the afternoon.

When should I use "Guten Nachmittag" versus other German afternoon greetings?

Use "Guten Nachmittag" in formal situations or with people you're not familiar with. For more casual settings or in specific regions, you can use greetings like "Servus," "Grüß Gott," or "Moin," depending on the local customs and your relationship with the person you're greeting.