German Phrase
Geht's dir gut?
Meaning
This phrase is a contraction of 'Geht es dir gut?'. It is the standard way to ask someone if they are okay, healthy, or happy in an informal setting. Unlike the English 'How are you?', this specifically checks on a person's state of being or health.
When to use
Use this phrase with friends, family, or peers when you notice they might be upset, tired, or after they've had a small accident. It is strictly informal due to the use of 'dir'.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Geht'sdirgut
Geht's (Contraction)
This is a fusion of 'Geht' (goes) and 'es' (it). It uses the impersonal 'it' to describe the flow of life or health.
Dir (Dative)
The pronoun 'du' changes to 'dir' here because the expression 'es geht' always triggers the dative case for the person being asked.
🗨In Conversation
Du siehst heute etwas müde aus. Geht's dir gut?
You look a bit tired today. Are you okay?
Ja, danke. Ich habe gestern nur sehr spät gearbeitet.
Yes, thanks. I just worked very late yesterday.
✕Common Mistakes
Bist du gut?
In German, personal well-being is expressed with the verb 'gehen' (to go) in an impersonal construction, never with 'sein' (to be).
Geht es dich gut?
The verb 'gehen' in this context requires the dative case ('dir'), not the accusative case ('dich').
↔Alternatives
Alles klar?
Everything alright?
Wie geht es Ihnen?
How are you? (Formal)
Ist alles okay?
Is everything okay?
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking cultures, asking 'Geht's dir gut?' is often seen as a genuine inquiry rather than a passing greeting. If you ask this, be prepared for a potentially honest answer about how the person is actually feeling, as Germans value sincerity in conversation.