In German
Gesundheit
Meaning: bless you (said after a sneeze)
Formal or informal? “Gesundheit” is the same for everyone, friends and strangers alike. The usual reply is “Danke”.
Example sentences
Hatschi!–Gesundheit!
Achoo! – Bless you!
Gesundheit,Anna!
Bless you, Anna!
Wennjemandniest,sagtmanGesundheit.
When someone sneezes, you say Gesundheit.
Common mistake
Don't translate “bless you” literally (“Gott segne dich” is unusual). “Gesundheit” is the standard reply.
Quick check
What do you say after someone sneezes in German?
More words on this topic
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Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What do you say back to “Gesundheit”?
Simply say “Danke”.
Is “Gesundheit” a wish for health?
Yes. It literally means “health”, and it is said as a short wish after a sneeze.