Guten Abend
[GOO-ten AH-bent]
Good evening
Literal gloss:“Good evening (accusative)”
When to use:Safe across both Sie and du settings because no personal pronoun restricts it.
Word-by-Word Structure
| German | Meaning | Grammar Note |
|---|---|---|
| Guten | good (acc. m.) | — |
| Abend | evening | der Abend (final -d sounds like /t/) |
Across Germany, Austria & Switzerland (DACH)
Germany (DE)
Guten Abend / N’Abend
Austria (AT)
Guten Abend / Grüß Gott
Switzerland (CH)
Gueten Obe
Example Sentences in Context
Arriving at a restaurant
Guten Abend! Haben Sie noch einen Tisch für zwei?
Good evening! Do you still have a table for two?
Formal event or broadcast
Guten Abend, meine Damen und Herren.
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
Common Replies You Will Hear
- Guten Abend! Herzlich willkommen.Formal (Sie)
Good evening! Welcome.