In German
Guten Abend
Meaning: good evening
Formal or informal? “Guten Abend” is used from about six in the evening, both for arriving and at the start of dinners, events and speeches.
Example sentences
GutenAbend,Anna!
Good evening, Anna!
GutenAbend,meineDamenundHerren.
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
GutenAbend!Schön,dassSiedasind.
Good evening! Nice that you're here.
Grammar note
“Abend” is masculine (der Abend), so “guten” takes -en. The phrase is a greeting, not a farewell.
Common mistake
“Gute Nacht” is not a greeting. Use “Guten Abend” when you arrive in the evening.
Quick check
Which greeting do you use when arriving at a dinner party at 7 p.m.?
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Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
Is Guten Abend also a goodbye?
Not really. Use “Auf Wiedersehen” or “Gute Nacht” to leave late in the evening.
Can I use Guten Abend for a formal speech?
Yes, it's the standard opening for evening events and speeches.