herzlichen Glückwunsch zur Hochzeit
The English phrase "congratulations on your wedding day" is expressed in German as herzlichen Glückwunsch zur Hochzeit.
herzlichen Glückwunsch zur Hochzeit is used to express good wishes to a couple on their wedding day. It is appropriate for both spoken conversation and written forms, such as wedding cards or formal messages.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "heartfelt congratulations to the wedding".
Which one should you use?
While herzlichen Glückwunsch zur Hochzeit is the standard way to express this, Alles Gute zur Hochzeit! is a common, slightly more casual alternative often used among friends and family.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
herzlichen Glückwunsch zur Hochzeit is a standard expression, whereas Alles Gute zur Hochzeit! is considered more informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition zur is a contraction of zu (to/for) and der (the). It is used here because Hochzeit is a feminine noun in the dative case following the preposition zu.
Did you know?
- In some traditional German wedding customs, guests perform Polterabend by breaking porcelain to bring the couple luck before the wedding day.
- The word Zeit in Hochzeit is a cognate of the English word 'tide', as in 'eventide' or 'Yuletide'.
- The word Glück in Glückwunsch literally translates to 'luck' or 'fortune', meaning you are essentially wishing someone 'heartfelt good luck' for their wedding.
Examples in context
- Ich gratuliere Ihnen zu Ihrer Hochzeit!I congratulate you on your wedding!
- Alles Gute zu eurem großen Tag!All the best on your big day!
- Alles Liebe und herzlichen Glückwunsch zur Hochzeit.All the best and congratulations on your wedding.
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are at a wedding reception after the ceremony.
- JulianSarah, herzlichen Glückwunsch zur Hochzeit!Sarah, congratulations on your wedding!
- SarahVielen Dank, Julian!Thank you very much, Julian!
- JulianIhr seid ein wunderschönes Paar.You are a beautiful couple.
- SarahDas ist sehr lieb von dir.That is very kind of you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Glückwunsch, Hochzeit, zur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
