What does it mean word for word?
The phrase herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag literally means "heartfelt congratulations on the birthday".
Which one should you use?
There are several ways to offer birthday wishes depending on the setting. Alles Gute zum Geburtstag is a very common alternative to the default form. Ihnen alles Gute zum Geburtstag! is a formal expression used when addressing someone with respect, whereas Alles Liebe zum Geburtstag! is an informal version used specifically among friends.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag! works well in informal settings for close friends or family. For a more casual and widely used feel among friends and family, you can use Alles Gute zum Geburtstag! If you need to be formal and address someone with respect, use Ihnen alles Gute zum Geburtstag!
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag, the noun Glückwunsch is masculine and is used here in the accusative case. The word zum is a contraction of zu (to/for) and dem (the). It is used because Geburtstag is a masculine noun in the dative case.
When do people say it?
In German-speaking cultures, it is considered bad luck to congratulate someone on their birthday before the actual day.
Did you know?
- The word zum in zum Geburtstag is a contraction of zu and dem, a linguistic feature shared with the Dutch word ten.
Example conversation
Maximilian greets Laura at her birthday party.
- MaximilianHallo Laura, herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag!Hello Laura, happy birthday!
- LauraVielen Dank, Maximilian!Thank you very much, Maximilian!
- MaximilianHier ist ein kleines Geschenk für dich.Here is a small gift for you.
- LauraDas ist so lieb von dir!That is so sweet of you!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Geburtstag, Glückwunsch, zum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
