Begrüßung

Begrüßung is the German noun for the act of greeting. It refers to the social ritual of acknowledging another person and signaling friendliness, respect, or acknowledgment. The term can describe both spoken phrases and accompanying nonverbal gestures.

In spoken German, greetings vary by formality, time of day, and region. Common time-based phrases include Guten Morgen (good morning), Guten Tag (good day), and Guten Abend (good evening). General informal greetings are Hallo or Hi. Formality is conveyed through the use of Sie (formal you) versus du (informal you). Sie is typically used in professional situations, with strangers, or in polite contexts, while du is used among friends, family, and peers. In professional or ceremonial settings, greetings may accompany titles and surnames, such as Herr Schmidt or Frau Meier.

Nonverbal greetings complement spoken language. A handshake is standard in business and many social contexts, often with direct eye contact. In some German-speaking regions, particularly in Austria and parts of Switzerland, cheek kissing (Wangenkuss) among acquaintances is also common, with regional variation in the number of kisses.

Written greetings follow different conventions. In formal letters or emails, salutations such as Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren or Sehr geehrte/r Herr/Frau [Name] are common, followed by a closing like Mit freundlichen Grüßen. Informal messages may begin with Hallo [Name] and end with freundliche Grüße.

Cultural norms surrounding Begrüßung reflect regional differences and evolving social practices. While formality remains important in certain contexts, younger generations and international contacts often favor more informal greetings. The concept remains a central element of German-speaking etiquette and daily interaction.