hey
hey (greeting) · hey (attention)
A casual greeting or way to get someone's attention, similar to English 'hey'. It is very common in informal spoken German, especially among friends or in relaxed situations.
What hey means
- hey (greeting) — Used to say hello informally, like 'hi'.
- hey (attention) — Used to get someone's attention or express surprise, similar to 'hey!' in English.
Heard in real German videos
Lines where hey was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Hey, klasse, das reimt sich.Hey, nice, that rhymes.
- Hey, wo gehst du denn hin, mein Täubchen?Hey, where are you going, my little dove?
- Hey Mädels, der Akku ist aufgeladen.Hey girls, the battery's charged.
Example sentences
- Hey, wie geht's dir?Hey, how are you?
- Hey, warte auf mich!Hey, wait for me!
- Hey, das ist mein Stift!Hey, that's my pen!
Common phrases
- Hey du!Hey you!
- Hey, Moment mal!Hey, wait a minute!
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers sometimes use 'hey' in formal situations, but in German it is very informal. Use 'Guten Tag' in formal contexts.
Don’t confuse it with
- hallo — 'Hallo' is slightly more neutral and can be used in semi-formal situations, while 'hey' is very casual.
Questions learners ask
Is 'hey' used in German?
Yes, 'hey' is commonly used in informal German, especially among younger people, as a greeting or to get attention.
What is the difference between 'hey' and 'hallo'?
'Hey' is more casual and friendly, while 'hallo' is neutral and can be used in more situations, including with strangers.
Can I use 'hey' in a formal email?
No, 'hey' is too informal for formal emails. Use 'Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren' or 'Guten Tag' instead.