Meaning
A polite and positive response to 'How are you?'.
Cultural Background
Germans value efficiency. A quick 'Sehr gut, danke' is seen as polite and respectful of the other person's time. Austrians might add a 'danke der Nachfrage' more frequently to add a touch of warmth to the efficiency. Swiss German speakers often use 'Sehr gut, merci' due to the French influence in the region.
Keep it short
You don't need to explain why you are good. Just 'Sehr gut, danke' is enough.
Don't overshare
German small talk is brief. Save the life stories for close friends.
Meaning
A polite and positive response to 'How are you?'.
Keep it short
You don't need to explain why you are good. Just 'Sehr gut, danke' is enough.
Don't overshare
German small talk is brief. Save the life stories for close friends.
Test Yourself
How do you respond to 'Wie geht es dir?'
Which is the most natural?
This is the standard, polite, and grammatically correct response.
Complete the phrase.
Sehr ____, danke.
'Sehr gut' is the standard pairing.
Match the response to the sentiment.
Match 'Sehr gut, danke' to its meaning.
It expresses well-being.
Complete the conversation.
A: Wie geht es dir? B: ____.
It is the only logical response to the question.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWhich is the most natural?
This is the standard, polite, and grammatically correct response.
Sehr ____, danke.
'Sehr gut' is the standard pairing.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
It expresses well-being.
A: Wie geht es dir? B: ____.
It is the only logical response to the question.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, but it sounds a bit abrupt. Adding 'danke' is much more polite.
It is neutral. It works in both settings perfectly.
German uses a different structure for well-being. 'Mir geht es' literally means 'It goes for me'.
Yes, it is very common in professional correspondence.
You can say 'Nicht so gut' or 'Es geht'.
In German culture, it is considered very polite to thank the person for asking.
No, it is an adverb/intensifier and does not change.
Yes, it is perfectly appropriate for a boss.
Related Phrases
Danke der Nachfrage
builds onThanks for asking.
Mir geht es gut
synonymI am doing well.
Alles bestens
similarEverything is great.
