Geburtstag
/ɡəˈbuːɐ̯t͡sˌtaːk/masculine
The English word birthday is translated into German as Geburtstag.
In German, instead of saying a person's birthday 'is' on a certain day, you typically use the phrase haben Geburtstag (to have birthday) to say someone 'has' a birthday.
Meaning: anniversary (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The compound noun Geburtstag is made of the words Geburt (birth) and Tag (day).
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use Geburtstag as a modifier for another noun, such as 'birthday cake', an '-s-' is often inserted as a connector, as seen in Geburtstagskuchen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈbuːɐ̯tsˌtaːk/
Did you know?
- In many German-speaking cultures, it is considered extremely bad luck to wish someone Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag before their actual birth date. You should always wait until the day itself to avoid bringing misfortune to the person.
- The word Geburtstag can be used in the phrase Geburtstagskind, which literally means 'birthday child' but is used for adults of any age celebrating their day.
- In some German regions, there is a custom where the Geburtstagskind must provide the cake and treats for their colleagues or classmates, rather than receiving them.
Examples in context
- Er hat bald Geburtstag.Soon it will be his birthday.This sentence is useful for noting that someone's birthday is approaching using Geburtstag.Tatoeba #12405494 by Waldelfe, translation #8911622 by dzouras
- Bald hast du Geburtstag.Your birthday is coming soon.This sentence is useful for telling someone their birthday is coming soon using Geburtstag.Tatoeba #1811978 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1415912 by CK
- Wann hat Tom Geburtstag?When is Tom's birthday?This sentence is useful for asking when someone's birthday is using Geburtstag.Tatoeba #2458667 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2458647 by Hybrid
- Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!Happy birthday!
- Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag!Congratulations on your birthday!
- Alles Gute zum 30. Geburtstag!Happy 30th birthday!
- Ich wünsche dir einen wundervollen Geburtstag!Wishing you a wonderful birthday!
- 660 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are talking at a cafe.
- SarahAlles Gute zum Geburtstag, Lukas!Happy birthday, Lukas!
- LukasDanke, Sarah! Das ist sehr lieb.Thanks, Sarah! That is very kind.
- SarahFeierst du deinen Geburtstag heute Abend?Are you celebrating your birthday tonight?
- LukasJa, ich lade ein paar Freunde ein.Yes, I am inviting a few friends.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “birthday” translations and entries Geburtstag, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
