Birthdays are special occasions where we celebrate another trip around the sun. When you want to greet someone and wish them a happy birthday in Dutch, it’s essential to know the right words to use. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to say “birthday” in Dutch, along with some regional variations. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Birthday in Dutch
When addressing someone formally or to show respect, you can use the following phrases to wish them a happy birthday in Dutch:
- Gelukkige verjaardag – This is the most common formal way to say “happy birthday.” It is a direct translation and well-known throughout the Dutch-speaking regions.
- Van harte gefeliciteerd met je verjaardag – This phrase means “congratulations on your birthday” and is often used in more formal situations or when congratulating someone on their special day.
- Ik wens je een fijne verjaardag toe – This phrase translates to “I wish you a happy birthday.” It is a polite and formal way to extend birthday wishes to someone.
Informal Ways to Say Birthday in Dutch
When communicating with friends, family, or people you are close to, you can use these informal phrases to wish them a happy birthday:
- Gefeliciteerd – This is a simple and commonly used word to say “congratulations” and can be used to wish someone a happy birthday in an informal setting.
- Proficiat met je verjaardag – This phrase means “congratulations on your birthday.” It is similar to the previous example but adds a personal touch by mentioning the occasion.
- Een fijne verjaardag gewenst – This phrase translates to “wishing you a happy birthday.” It is a friendly and casual way to extend birthday wishes.
Regional Variations
Although Dutch is spoken in both the Netherlands and Belgium, there are some regional variations in how they express birthday wishes. Let’s take a look at these differences:
1. The Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the phrase “Gelukkige verjaardag” is the most commonly used way to say “happy birthday.” However, you may also come across the following variation:
Hoera! – This Dutch word is commonly used to celebrate birthdays in the Netherlands. It expresses joy and excitement for the occasion.
So, you may hear something like “Hoera! Een gelukkige verjaardag” from Dutch speakers as well.
2. Belgium (Dutch-speaking)
In Belgian Dutch, people generally use the same phrases discussed earlier. However, there is a regional variation in how they refer to “birthday” itself. Instead of “verjaardag,” some Belgians use the word “verkjaardag.” So, in Belgium, you may hear “Gelukkige verkjaardag” or “Proficiat met je verkjaardag.”
Examples:
Now, let’s provide some examples of how you can use these phrases in various contexts:
- Formal: Van harte gefeliciteerd met je verjaardag, [Name]. Ik wens je een fantastische dag toe!
- Informal: Gefeliciteerd met je verjaardag, [Name]! Maak er een mooie dag van!
- Regional Variation (The Netherlands): Hoera! Een gelukkige verjaardag, [Name]! Geniet van je dag!
- Regional Variation (Belgium – Dutch-speaking): Gelukkige verkjaardag, [Name]! Proficiat met je speciale dag!
Remember to adapt these phrases according to your relationship with the person celebrating their birthday and the level of formality required by the occasion.
Conclusion
Celebrating birthdays is a joyful moment, and knowing how to say “happy birthday” in Dutch allows you to connect with Dutch speakers and extend your well wishes. Whether you choose a formal or informal expression, or whether you’re in the Netherlands or Belgium, the phrases provided in this guide should help you confidently celebrate birthdays in the Dutch language.
