Grüß Gott!
[gruess got]
Hello! (Austria & Southern Germany)
Literal gloss:“(May) God greet (you)!”
When to use:Safe across both Sie and du settings because no personal pronoun restricts it.
Word-by-Word Structure
| German | Meaning | Grammar Note |
|---|---|---|
| Grüß | short subjunctive I: may God greet | — |
| Gott | God (historical blessing) | — |
Across Germany, Austria & Switzerland (DACH)
Germany (DE)
Guten Tag (North/Center) / Grüß Gott (Bavaria/BW)
Austria (AT)
Grüß Gott! (standard everywhere)
Switzerland (CH)
Grüezi!
Example Sentences in Context
Viennese bakery or café
Grüß Gott! Zwei Semmeln und ein Stück Sachertorte, bitte.
Hello! Two rolls and a slice of Sachertorte, please.
Natural Alternatives
- Servus!Informal (du)
Warm casual hello & goodbye across Bavaria & Austria