herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag nachträglich
Belated happy birthday in German is herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag nachträglich.
This phrase is used to wish someone a happy birthday after the actual date has passed. In German, the word used to indicate the greeting is being sent late, nachträglich, is typically placed at the end of the birthday greeting rather than before it.
What does it mean word for word?
The term nachträglich means 'belatedly' or 'after the fact', which serves to indicate that the congratulations are being offered late.
Did you know?
- In Germany, it is considered bad luck to wish someone a happy birthday before the actual day. Even if you know it is coming, saying Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag early can be seen as a bad omen.
- The word Glück in Glückwunsch means 'luck' or 'happiness', so the phrase literally translates to 'heartfelt luck-wish for the birthday'.
- In some German regions, a belated greeting might be paired with a small 'reparation' gift to make up for the social faux pas of forgetting the date.
Examples in context
- Alles Gute und herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag nachträglich!All the best and belated happy birthday!
Example conversation
Sarah visits Julian at his office a few days after his birthday.
- SarahHallo Julian, herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag nachträglich!Hello Julian, belated happy birthday!
- JulianDanke dir, Sarah! Das ist sehr lieb.Thank you, Sarah! That is very kind.
- SarahHast du deinen Tag schön gefeiert?Did you celebrate your day nicely?
- JulianJa, ich hatte einen tollen Tag.Yes, I had a great day.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Geburtstag, Glückwunsch, nachträglich, zum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
