Ways to say it
| Swiss German | Note |
|---|---|
| Gratuliere! | |
| Härzlechi Glückwünsch | formal |
For a more formal occasion, such as a graduation or a promotion, Swiss speakers say Härzlechi Glückwünsch, 'heartfelt congratulations'.
What does it mean word for word?
Gratuliere is a verb form meaning 'I congratulate'. Härzlechi Glückwünsch joins 'heartfelt' with 'wishes of luck'.
Which one should you use?
Gratuliere! is short and works for almost any happy occasion, from a new job to passing a test. Härzlechi Glückwünsch is more formal and often written in cards.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Gratuliere! is neutral and casual. Härzlechi Glückwünsch fits a card, a speech or a colleague you address formally.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Both phrases are understood across German-speaking Switzerland, with only small sound shifts between regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say what for, Swiss speakers add zu: Gratuliere zum neue Job, 'congratulations on the new job'.
How do you pronounce it?
Gratuliere stresses the third syllable: 'gra-tu-LIE-re'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Standard German Herzlichen Glückwunsch is understood but sounds imported. The Swiss spelling and sound, Härzlechi Glückwünsch, is the natural written form.
When do people say it?
Swiss people often add a handshake or a small gift, such as flowers or chocolate, alongside spoken congratulations for bigger milestones.
Did you know?
- Gratuliere is used alone as a complete exclamation in Swiss German, without needing a subject pronoun before it.
- Giving chocolate alongside a congratulation is a small, common Swiss gesture, fitting for a country famous for it.
Examples in context
- Gratuliere zum neue Job!Congratulations on the new job!
- Härzlechi Glückwünsch zur Hochzig.Heartfelt congratulations on the wedding.
- Ich gratulier dir vo Herz.I congratulate you from the heart.
Example conversation
Simon congratulates his colleague Priska on her promotion at the office.
- SimonGratuliere zur Beförderung!Congratulations on the promotion!
- PriskaMerci vielmal, Simon.Thank you very much, Simon.
- SimonDu hesch das verdient.You have earned it.
- PriskaDas isch mega nett vo dir.That is really nice of you.
