Greetings In Bavarian: Unique Ways To Say Hello

Bavarian is a dialect distinct from standard German, and even native German speakers have difficulty understanding it. Bavarians are proud of their unique dialect and want to be understood by all other German speakers. So, if you're planning to visit, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with some common phrases.

Bavarians have several ways to say hello, including Servus, Grüß Gott (formal), and Grüß dich (informal). Hallo is also used, but it's not strictly Bavarian.

Greeting someone in a business setting

If you are greeting someone older than you, or someone you don't know well, it is best to stick with a formal greeting. "Grüß Gott" is a very formal greeting that is commonly used in Bavaria and translates to "greetings from God" or "God bless you". It is often used when greeting people for the first time, such as a new landlord or boss. Another formal greeting is "Grüß dich", which means "greetings to you". This greeting is also appropriate for greeting someone older than you, especially if you don't know them well.

If you are greeting a colleague or someone you know, you can use a slightly less formal greeting. "Servus" is an informal greeting that is commonly used in Bavaria and can also be used as a goodbye. "Hallo" is the German word for "hello" and is not specifically Bavarian, but it can be used in a business setting if you want to be less formal.

It is important to note that Bavaria has its own language and dialect, which is different from standard German. The greetings mentioned above are in the Bavarian dialect and may be different from what is used in other parts of Germany. It is also worth mentioning that Bavarians tend to be quite conservative and traditional, so it is important to be respectful and mindful of cultural differences.

Additionally, while many people in Bavaria speak English, it is always a good idea to try to learn some basic phrases in the local language to show respect for the culture and to make a good impression.

Greeting a friend

Choosing the Right Greeting

Bavarian greetings can vary depending on the formality of the situation, the time of day, and the region you're in. Here are some common greetings to consider:

• Seavus (Servus): This greeting is very versatile and can be used to say both "hello" and "goodbye." It is appropriate for informal situations and can be a friendly way to greet your friends.
• Grias di (Grüß dich): This is an informal greeting often used among friends. It is a more casual version of the formal greeting "Grüß Gott."
• Grias god (Grüß Gott): This formal greeting, meaning "God greets you," is commonly used in Bavaria and is appropriate when greeting someone you don't know well or in a religious setting.
• Mahlzeit (Moizaid): This is a mealtime greeting that can be used when greeting friends during lunch or dinner.

Tone and Context

When using these greetings, it's important to pay attention to your tone and context. For example, the word "pfiate," which means "goodbye," can also be interpreted as "to get lost" if not said with the right tone. Additionally, while "Servus" is widely accepted, the word "Tschüss" is understood but considered too foreign by true Bavarians.

Combining Greetings

In Bavarian culture, it is common to combine greetings to create a more localized and friendly expression. For example, you can say "hallo Servus" or "hallo Grüß dich."

Body Language and Culture

Non-verbal cues are also important when greeting a friend in Bavarian. Bavarians are known for their friendliness and respect towards elders. They often differentiate between formal and informal contexts by using the formal "Sie" (You) for strangers or elders and the informal "du" (you) for friends or casual conversations. Remembering to use the appropriate form can go a long way in making a good impression.

Greeting at Different Times of the Day

Depending on the time of day, you can use specific greetings:

• Guadn moing (Guten Morgen): Good morning
• Guadn åmd (Guten Abend): Good afternoon or evening
• Guad nåhd (Gute Nacht): Good night

Additional Tips

• Avoid "Hallo": While "Hallo" is commonly used in German, it is not strictly Bavarian. If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, opt for one of the greetings mentioned above.
• Be Mindful of Religious Contexts: Given Bavaria's strong Catholic influence, it is important to be respectful when greeting someone in a religious setting. "Grüß Gott" is an appropriate greeting in such contexts.
• Practice and Immerse Yourself: Listen to podcasts by Bavarian speakers or watch German TV shows set in Bavaria to improve your comprehension and familiarity with the dialect.

Greeting someone in a religious setting

Bavaria is a very culturally diverse place with a strong Catholic plurality and conservative traditions. When greeting someone in a religious setting, it is appropriate to say "Grüß Gott" (god bless). This phrase is considered formal and respectful, and is commonly used by older people. It is also understood to be religious-neutral, and is widely used in Bavaria and Austria.

If you are looking for a more informal greeting, "Servus" is a catch-all for hello or goodbye and can be used in casual settings. However, it is important to note that "Servus" is not specific to religious settings and can be used in various contexts.

Other formal greetings in Bavaria include "Grüß dich" or its dialect variation "Griaßde", and the standard German greeting "Guten Tag". While "Hallo" is also used in Bavaria, it is considered more colloquial and is primarily used among friends.

When addressing someone you do not know well or need to show respect to, it is customary to use the formal form "Sie" for "you" in German. This is in contrast to the informal "Du" form, which is used when speaking casually to someone you know.

Additionally, Bavarians are known for their respect towards their elders, so it is important to be mindful of your tone and choice of words when greeting older individuals.

Greeting someone in a casual setting

Greeting Options:

• Servus or Seavus: This is a versatile greeting that can be used for both hello and goodbye. It is often used in casual settings, such as when hiking on a trail and passing someone. "Servus" is a loanword from Italian, meaning "servant." While it is a generic greeting, it is a good option to have in your arsenal when visiting Bavaria.
• Grias di or Grüß dich: This is an informal greeting, similar to the English "hi." It is commonly used among friends or younger people and can be a cheerful way to greet a group. "Grüß dich" means "greet you."
• Grias god or Grüß Gott: While this greeting is more formal and translates to "God greets you," it is still commonly used in Bavaria and can be appropriate in some casual settings. For a more neutral version without the religious connotation, you can use "Grüß dich."
• Moizaid or Mahlzeit: This is a specific greeting used around mealtimes.
• Hallo: "Hallo" is the standard German greeting for hello. While it is not strictly Bavarian, it is understood and used in Bavaria, especially in more informal contexts among friends. However, some Bavarians may prefer to stick to purely Bavarian greetings.

Additional Considerations:

When greeting someone in a casual setting, it is essential to consider the context, the relationship, and the age of the person you are addressing. Here are some additional points to keep in mind:

• Age: In Bavarian culture, it is respectful to use more formal greetings with elders, such as "Grüß Gott."
• Relationship: The level of formality in your greeting will depend on your relationship with the person. For friends and people you know well, informal greetings like "Servus" or "Grias di" are appropriate.
• Setting: The setting can also influence your choice of greeting. For example, "Moizaid" is specifically used around mealtimes.
• Regional Variations: Keep in mind that Bavarian German has regional variations. The dialect spoken in Northern Bavaria (such as Middle Franconia and Upper Bavaria) may differ from that of Southern Bavaria (such as Tyrol).
• Tone: When using certain phrases, such as "pfiate" (goodbye), pay attention to your tone. Using the wrong tone can change the meaning of the phrase and even come across as derogatory.

Greeting someone on the phone

Greeting someone in Bavarian over the phone is similar to greeting them in person. Here are some ways to say "hello" in Bavarian, which is primarily a spoken dialect:

• Seavus (Servus) – Hello
• Grias god (Grüß Gott) – Formal greeting
• Grias di (Grüß dich) – Informal greeting
• Grüß dich – Greetings to you
• Grüß Gott – God bless you
• Grüß dich – Used for greeting people older than you
• Moin – Common greeting in northern Germany, especially Hamburg
• Moin moin – More informal version of "moin"

If you are answering the phone in a professional context, it is best to stick to more formal greetings such as "Grüß Gott" or "Grüß dich." However, if you are speaking to a friend or someone your age, you can use more informal greetings like "Servus" or "Moin."

Additionally, if you are looking for ways to ask "How are you?" in Bavarian, you can say:

• Via ged's eana? (Wie geht’s Ihnen?) – Formal
• Via ged's? (Wie geht’s?) – Informal

Frequently asked questions