moin

Moin is a greeting used in northern Germany, particularly in Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and parts of Bremen and East Frisia. It is typically used to say hello and is versatile enough to be uttered at any time of day, from morning to night. In many communities, people may greet strangers and acquaintances with a simple “Moin!” or with a double form such as “Moin moin.”

The origin of the word is not settled. It is generally associated with North German and Frisian dialects, and several theories connect it to words meaning “good,” “beautiful,” or “today.” Early written attestations appear in regional sources from the 18th century, but the exact etymology remains debated. Regardless of its origin, moin developed into a standard regional greeting rather than a formal salutation.

Usage and variants vary by locality. In everyday speech, “Moin” is used among friends, family, coworkers, and even strangers as a casual, neutral greeting. Some speakers extend it with “Moin Moin” or inflect it with tone for emphasis. Variants such as “Moinsen” or regional pronunciations exist, reflecting local dialects. While most common in northern coastal areas, the term has also become a cultural symbol of Northern German identity and is occasionally used in branding, tourism, and media as a descriptor of friendliness and regional character.