Meaning
A common informal question to ask about someone's well-being.
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Ehrlichkeit' (honesty). If you ask this, be prepared for a real answer, even if it's negative. In Austria, you might hear 'Wie geht's da?' (How is it going for you there?), which is a local variation. Swiss German speakers often use 'Wie gahts dir?' which is the dialect version of the phrase. In the North, people are often more laconic. A simple 'Moin, wie geht's?' is common and might get a very short answer.
The 'Mir' Answer
Always answer with 'Mir geht es...' (To me it goes...). Never say 'Ich bin gut'.
The Dative Trap
Remember it's 'dir', not 'dich'. Using 'dich' is a very common beginner mistake.
Meaning
A common informal question to ask about someone's well-being.
The 'Mir' Answer
Always answer with 'Mir geht es...' (To me it goes...). Never say 'Ich bin gut'.
The Dative Trap
Remember it's 'dir', not 'dich'. Using 'dich' is a very common beginner mistake.
Honesty Policy
Don't be surprised if someone gives you a 5-minute update on their health after you ask this!
Test Yourself
Choose the correct informal way to ask 'How are you?'
Du triffst einen Freund. Was sagst du?
'dir' is the correct informal dative form.
Fill in the missing word.
Wie geht ___ dir?
The phrase uses the impersonal subject 'es'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hallo! Wie geht es dir? B: Danke, ___ geht es gut.
The answer must also be in the dative case: 'Mir'.
Match the phrase to the person.
Mit wem benutzt du 'Wie geht es dir?'
You use 'dir' with family and friends.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDu triffst einen Freund. Was sagst du?
'dir' is the correct informal dative form.
Wie geht ___ dir?
The phrase uses the impersonal subject 'es'.
A: Hallo! Wie geht es dir? B: Danke, ___ geht es gut.
The answer must also be in the dative case: 'Mir'.
Mit wem benutzt du 'Wie geht es dir?'
You use 'dir' with family and friends.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it sounds incomplete. You need either the person ('dir') or the contraction ('Wie geht's?').
If you are introduced to someone in a casual setting (like a party) and you are both young, it's fine. Otherwise, stick to 'Freut mich' (Nice to meet you).
You can say 'Es geht so' or 'Muss ja' (informal).
Related Phrases
Wie geht es Ihnen?
specialized formHow are you? (Formal)
Wie geht's?
synonymHow's it going?
Was geht ab?
slangWhat's up?
Wie läuft es?
similarHow is it running?
Alles gut?
similarAll good?
