begrüßen

Begrüßen is a German verb meaning to greet or to acknowledge someone’s presence. It is a transitive action, typically used with a direct object, for example: Ich begrüße dich. The corresponding noun is Begrüßung, which denotes the act or occasion of greeting.

Begrüßen is a regular verb and is used in both formal and informal contexts. In the present tense you can find forms such as ich begrüße, du begrüßt, er begrüßt, wir begrüßen, ihr begrüßt, sie begrüßen. In the simple past it is common to say ich begrüßte, du begrüßtest, er begrüßte, wir begrüßten, ihr begrüßtet, sie begrüßten. In the perfect tense, as in Ich habe dich begrüßt, the past participle is begrüßt. The prefix be- is part of the verb stem, and the action is directed at another person or group.

Common verbal greetings include Guten Tag, Guten Morgen, Hallo, and in southern German-speaking areas, Grüß Gott. In northern regions you may hear Moin. These greetings are often accompanied by a non-verbal gesture such as a handshake, a nod, or a wave, depending on context, relationship, and local custom. Formal interactions typically use Sie and a title, while informal situations use du.

Socially, the act of Begrüßung sets the tone for an encounter and can convey respect, friendliness, or politeness. In cross-cultural or multilingual settings, the choice of greeting and level of formality may vary, and appropriate regional or cultural norms should be observed. Begrüßen also intersects with etiquette in ceremonies, workplaces, and public spaces.