Guten Appetit! How to Say "Bless You" in German Like a Native

When someone sneezes, it's polite to say "bless you." But what do you say in German? "Gesundheit!" is the most common expression, but there are a few other options as well.

In this article, we'll explore the different ways to say "bless you" in German. We'll also provide some tips on how to use these phrases correctly.

Benefits of Saying "Bless You" in German

There are several benefits to saying "bless you" in German. First, it's a polite gesture that shows that you care about the person who sneezed. Second, it can help to create a more positive and friendly atmosphere. Third, it can help you to learn more about German culture.

How to Say "Bless You" in German

The most common way to say "bless you" in German is "Gesundheit!" This phrase literally means "health." It is typically said immediately after someone sneezes.

Here are some other ways to say "bless you" in German:

Phrase	Meaning
"Prosit!"	"Cheers!"
"Wohl bekomm's!"	"Enjoy your meal!"
"Verzeihung!"	"Excuse me!"

Which phrase you use will depend on the situation. For example, "Gesundheit!" is the most appropriate phrase to use in a formal setting. "Prosit!" is a more informal phrase that can be used among friends.

Stories

Story 1:

I was once in a meeting with a group of German businesspeople. One of the attendees sneezed, and I instinctively said "Bless you!" in English. The entire group looked at me in surprise. I quickly realized that I had made a mistake, and I apologized.

After the meeting, I asked one of the attendees how to say "bless you" in German. He told me that the most common phrase is "Gesundheit!" I thanked him for the information, and I made sure to use the correct phrase the next time someone sneezed.

Story 2:

I was once on a train in Germany when a woman next to me sneezed. I immediately said "Gesundheit!" She smiled and thanked me. We started talking, and we ended up having a very pleasant conversation.

I'm glad that I knew how to say "bless you" in German. It helped me to make a new friend and to learn more about German culture.

Tips

Here are a few tips on how to use the phrase "Gesundheit!" correctly:

Say it immediately after someone sneezes.

Say it in a clear and loud voice.

Make eye contact with the person who sneezed.

Smile.

Conclusion

Saying "bless you" in German is a simple but important gesture that can show that you care about the person who sneezed. It can also help to create a more positive and friendly atmosphere. So next time someone sneezes, don't forget to say "Gesundheit!"

Guten Appetit! How to Say "Bless You" in German Like a Native