One of the most important words of Classical German. It was once considered an acceptable substitute for 98% of all known communication. Particularly popular in Northern German cities (such as
Hamburg,
Bremen and
Rostock), today it remains widely used as a greeting & farewell.
It's use, however, is frowned upon in Southern Germany - particularly by a subset of Bavarian society.
(here is an example of a typical conversation
on road in Northern Germany)
Person one - "
Gutten?"
Person two - "No - gutten'in
gutten!"
Person one - "
GUTTEN!!"
Person two - "Gutten'in in in'inin."
Person one - "Ah. Gutten."
Person two - "Gut Gutten."
Person one - "Gutten. Gut Gutten."