hallo
hello
Used as a friendly greeting when meeting someone or starting a conversation.
EXAMPLE
Hallo, schön, dich zu sehen!
Hello, it's nice to see you!
hallo
hello
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Meanings
hallo
hello
Used to get someone's attention, especially when they are not responding.
EXAMPLE
Hallo, hört mir überhaupt jemand zu?
Hello, is anyone even listening to me?
hallo?
hello?
Used on the phone when answering a call or checking whether the other person is still on the line.
EXAMPLE
Hallo, können Sie mich hören?
Hello, can you hear me?
aber hallo
you bet
Informally expresses strong agreement or emphatic confirmation.
EXAMPLE
Ob ich mich auf den Urlaub freue? Aber hallo!
Am I looking forward to the vacation? You bet!
Usage tips
Typical collocations
As a greeting, 'hallo' (hello) is often used with a name or with words referring to groups, such as 'zusammen' (everyone) and 'allerseits' (everyone). This allows the greeting to be addressed directly to one person or to an entire group.
EXAMPLE
Hallo zusammen, wir beginnen in fünf Minuten mit der Besprechung.
Hello, everyone. We'll begin the meeting in five minutes.
Greeting commas
When 'hallo' (hello) is followed by a direct form of address, it is separated by a comma. If a complete sentence follows, a comma or an exclamation mark is also placed between the greeting and the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Hallo, Frau Wagner, haben Sie kurz Zeit?
Hello, Ms. Wagner, do you have a moment?
Tone and effect
When used to attract attention, 'hallo' (hello) is usually strongly emphasized and may be repeated. In a conflict, this can make it sound impatient, surprised, or critical.
EXAMPLE
Hallo! Ich war noch nicht fertig mit meiner Erklärung.
Hello! I wasn't finished with my explanation.
Rising intonation
On the phone, 'hallo?' (hello?) is often spoken with rising intonation and written with a question mark when waiting for a response or checking the connection.
EXAMPLE
Hallo? Bist du noch dran?
Hello? Are you still there?
Fixed expression
'Aber hallo!' (You bet!) is a fixed informal expression and often stands alone as a short answer to a yes-or-no question. The verb from the question is not repeated.
EXAMPLE
Kommst du morgen zur Feier? Aber hallo!
Are you coming to the party tomorrow? You bet!
In real life
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