German Phrase
Wie geht's dir?
Meaning
This is the most common informal way to ask someone how they are doing in German. It is a contraction of 'Wie geht es dir?', which literally translates to 'How goes it to you?'.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual settings with friends, family, or people you are on a first-name basis with. It is perfect for starting a conversation or greeting someone you know well.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Wiegeht'sdir
Wie
An interrogative adverb meaning 'how', used to start many common questions.
geht's
A contraction of 'geht' (3rd person singular of 'gehen') and the impersonal pronoun 'es' (it).
dir
The dative form of 'du' (you). Certain impersonal expressions in German require the dative case to indicate the person affected.
🗨In Conversation
Hallo Lukas! Wie geht's dir?
Hello Lukas! How are you?
Mir geht's gut, danke! Und dir?
I'm doing well, thanks! And you?
✕Common Mistakes
Wie geht's du?
The verb 'gehen' in this context requires the dative case 'dir' instead of the nominative 'du'.
Wie bist du?
German uses the verb 'to go' (gehen) to ask about well-being, whereas English uses 'to be' (sein).
↔Alternatives
Wie geht es Ihnen?
How are you? (Formal)
Was geht ab?
What's up? (Slang)
Alles klar?
Everything okay? / How's it going?
Cultural Tip
In many English-speaking cultures, 'How are you?' is a greeting that doesn't always require a real answer. In Germany, however, people might actually tell you how they are feeling, so be prepared for a more honest response than just 'fine'.