How to Say in German

No matter which language you speak, you’ll find expressing thanks is one of the most common courtesies you use. Grabbing a cup of coffee, buying groceries, taking a cab ride, or passing through a door being held open all involve expressing appreciation. Because daily activities and interactions demand the exchange of courtesies, saying thank you is one of the first phrases you’ll tackle as a language learner.

When you’re in love, whether it’s a long-term committed relationship or the first flames of a wild passion, expressing the exact sentiment intended is essential. “I love you,” isn’t a phrase you’re likely to hear thrown around lightly in the German language, whose speakers aren’t known for being emotionally effusive. While you might “love” those new boots, you probably don’t feel quite the same amount of affection for a pair of shoes as you do for your soulmate.

Put “hello” into any translation engine like Google and, if you ask it for German, you’re bound to get something that sounds remarkably like English. It’s the German word hallo, and despite some differences in pronunciation, it’s used much the same way as the English “hello.” What Google translate won’t tell you is that hallo is just one German greeting out of many and there are significant regional differences that govern which form of greeting you should use.