German Greetings & Small Talk: Hallo, Wie geht's?
After this lesson you can introduce yourself and keep a short conversation going.
German Greetings & Small Talk: Hallo, Wie geht's?
A German introduction is four short lines, and they never change: what you are called, where you are from, where you live now, and what you do. Learn the four and you can meet anyone.
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Kulturnotiz
Zusammen oder getrennt? — "together or separately?" — is asked at almost every table, and splitting the bill down to the individual item is completely normal, not awkward. Waiting staff will happily total four separate amounts. Tipping is modest: round up, or add about 5–10%, and say the total you want to pay as you hand the money over rather than leaving coins on the table.
Common questions
+When do I use du and when Sie?
Sie for strangers, officials, shop and restaurant staff, and anyone noticeably older. Du for friends, family, children and casual peer settings. If unsure, start with Sie and wait to be offered du.
+How do I ask someone's name?
Wie heißt du? informally, Wie heißen Sie? formally. German uses wie ("how"), not was ("what") — you are asking how someone is called.
+What is the difference between kommen aus and wohnen in?
Kommen aus is origin — where you are from. Wohnen in is your current home. Ich komme aus Irland, aber ich wohne in Berlin.
+Do I tip in Germany?
Yes, but modestly — round up or add 5–10%. Say the total as you pay (for a €8.60 bill: "Neun Euro, bitte"). Leaving coins on the table is less usual than in the UK or US.