German Phrase
Alles gut?
Meaning
Literally ‘Everything good?’, this short phrase is used to ask if someone is doing fine or if everything is okay. It can function both as a quick check‑in and as an informal greeting.
When to use
Use it with friends, family, or colleagues you know well, especially after meeting, when you notice someone might be stressed, or simply as a casual ‘what’s up?’ in everyday conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Allesgut?
Alles (pronoun)
‘Alles’ is an indefinite pronoun meaning ‘everything’ and is used here as the subject of the implied verb ‘ist’.
gut (predicative adjective)
‘gut’ functions as a predicative adjective describing the subject; the verb ‘sein’ is omitted in casual speech.
Elliptical question
The full sentence would be ‘Ist alles gut?’ but Germans often drop the verb in informal conversation.
Punctuation
The question mark signals that the speaker expects a short answer; tone of voice also conveys the question.
🗨In Conversation
Hey, ich habe das Projekt gestern fertig gemacht. Alles gut?
Hey, I finished the project yesterday. All good?
Ja, danke! Und bei dir?
Yes, thanks! And you?
✕Common Mistakes
Alles gut.
Without the question mark or rising intonation it becomes a statement, not a question.
Alles gutes?
‘Gut’ is an adjective here, not a noun; do not add the ending ‘-es’.
Alles gut, Herr Müller?
Using this informal phrase with a formal ‘Sie’ address can sound disrespectful; opt for ‘Ist alles in Ordnung, Herr Müller?’
↔Alternatives
Wie geht's?
How's it going?
Alles in Ordnung?
Everything in order?
Ist alles okay?
Is everything okay?
Alles klar?
All clear?
Cultural Tip
In German, dropping the verb ‘sein’ in short questions like ‘Alles gut?’ is perfectly natural among peers, but it sounds too informal for business meetings or when speaking with strangers. Pay attention to your tone – a rising intonation signals a genuine question, while a flat tone can turn it into a casual greeting. Also, Germans often answer with a brief ‘Ja, alles gut’ or simply ‘Gut, danke.’