viel Glück
/fiːl ɡlʏk/word by word
The English phrase "best of luck" is translated into German as viel Glück.
viel Glück is the standard way to wish someone luck for a specific upcoming event, such as an exam or a competition.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase viel Glück literally translates to "much luck".
Which one should you use?
While viel Glück focuses on luck for a specific event, Alles Gute (meaning "all the best") is a more general wish for well-being or a birthday. Additionally, if you want to wish someone success based on their skill or hard work rather than pure luck, Viel Erfolg (meaning "much success") is a more appropriate alternative.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria, the phrase Toi toi toi is used to wish someone good luck.
How do you pronounce it?
/fiːl ɡlʏk/
Did you know?
- To avoid jinxing a performer, Germans often avoid saying viel Glück and instead say Hals- und Beinbruch, which means 'break a neck and a leg'.
- Germans might use Daumen drücken (pressing the thumbs) as a gesture of luck, which is the equivalent of the English 'crossing your fingers'.
- The phrase Toi toi toi is often accompanied by the custom of spitting three times over the left shoulder or mimicking the sound of spitting.
Examples in context
- Ich wünsche dir viel Glück.I wish you the best of luck.This sentence shows how to use viel Glück when wishing someone luck directly.Tatoeba #1401513 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #240806 by CK
- Viel Glück beim nächsten Mal!Best of luck next time.This sentence uses viel Glück to wish someone luck for a future attempt.Tatoeba #9163597 by Tepan, translation #11178515 by sundown
- Viel Glück bei eurem Turnier!Best of luck in your tournament.This sentence uses viel Glück to wish luck for a specific event like a tournament.Tatoeba #12425559 by Waldelfe, translation #267362 by sundown
- Ich wünsche Ihnen viel Erfolg bei Ihrem Vorstellungsgespräch morgen.I wish you good luck with your interview tomorrow.
- Viel Glück für deine Prüfung! Du schaffst das!Good luck for your exam! You can do it!
- Hals- und Beinbruch für dein Fußballturnier! Zeig ihnen, was du drauf hast!Break a leg for your soccer tournament! Show them what you've got!
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are saying goodbye before his job interview.
- LauraViel Glück bei deinem Vorstellungsgespräch, Felix!Best of luck with your job interview, Felix!
- FelixDanke, Laura. Ich bin sehr nervös.Thanks, Laura. I am very nervous.
- LauraDu schaffst das bestimmt!You will surely do it!
- FelixDas hoffe ich. Bis später!I hope so. See you later!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (viel, Glück) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
