Grüsse

Grüsse is the plural form of the German noun Gruß, meaning a greeting or salutation. It is used to refer to expressions of goodwill exchanged between people, or to the act of greeting someone. The related verb is grüßen, to greet.

Spelling varies by region. In standard German used in Germany and Austria, the form is Grüße (with a sharp s, ß). In Switzerland, the form Grüsse (with ss) is common, reflecting Swiss orthography that avoids ß. Both forms are understood in German-speaking areas, but regional preferences can determine which variant is used.

In writing, Grüsse/Grüße function as the plural noun meaning “greetings” and appear as closings in letters and emails, such as Viele Grüße or Herzliche Grüße. Formal closings in German commonly read Mit freundlichen Grüßen; in Swiss contexts, a corresponding Mit freundlichen Grüssen is used. The choice of formality often influences which closing is chosen.

The term is a standard element of everyday etiquette in German-speaking regions, with spelling and stylistic variations shaped by regional conventions and the level of formality.