Hello & goodbye: Hallo & Tschüss
German greetings follow the clock:
- Guten Morgen — until about 10
- Guten Tag — during the day
- Guten Abend — in the evening
- Hallo — any time, with anyone
Leaving: Auf Wiedersehen (formal) or Tschüss (relaxed). Gute Nacht is only for when someone is off to bed.
In Austria and Bavaria you’ll also hear Grüß Gott — all day long. Just recognize these two: Servus (hi and bye among friends there) and Grüezi (hello in Switzerland).
Tip
Gute Nacht is a goodbye, not a greeting — say it only when the day is over.