how are you
"Wie geht es dir?" is the standard way to ask someone how they are doing. Literally translating to "How does it go for you?", the phrase functions as a friendly, informal check-in. It focuses on the current state of the person's well-being or life situation. This expression is used with friends, family, and peers. When speaking to someone in a formal setting or someone you do not know well, you should use the formal version: "Wie geht es Ihnen?". It is a versatile opening that naturally precedes a conversation about daily events or feelings.
In conversation
Greeting a friend
Hey! Wie geht es dir?
Hey! How are you?
Mir geht es super, danke! Und dir?
I'm doing great, thanks! And you?
A very common, standard exchange between close friends.
Checking in on a colleague
Hallo Max, lange nicht gesehen. Wie geht es dir?
Hi Max, long time no see. How are you?
Ganz gut, danke der Nachfrage.
Pretty good, thanks for asking.
Using 'danke der Nachfrage' is a polite way to acknowledge the question.
Examples
Wie geht es dir heute?
How are you today?
Sag mal, wie geht es dir eigentlich mit deinem neuen Job?
Tell me, how are you actually doing with your new job?
Ich habe dich schon lange nicht mehr gesehen, wie geht es dir so?
I haven't seen you in a long time, how have you been?
