What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'Heartfelt congratulations to the wedding'. The word zur is a contraction of the preposition zu (to) and the feminine definite article der (the), used here because Hochzeit is a feminine noun.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Herzlichen Glückwunsch zur Hochzeit is a formal way to say congratulations on your wedding. For a slightly more casual sentiment, you can use Alles Gute zur Hochzeit!, which means 'All the best for the wedding!' If you are speaking to a couple in a more informal setting, you might say Alles Gute für eure gemeinsame Zukunft!, meaning 'All the best for your future together!' In formal situations, you can also use Ich wünsche Ihnen beiden alles Glück der Welt!, which translates to 'I wish you both all the happiness in the world!'
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Herzlichen Glückwunsch zur Hochzeit, the adjective Herzlichen takes the -en ending because it is an adjective in the accusative case following the implied verb ich wünsche dir/euch (I wish you).
Did you know?
- In many German wedding traditions, guests participate in Polterabend, where they break porcelain plates to bring the couple luck.
- A traditional German wedding custom involves the bride and groom sawing a log in half together to symbolize their ability to overcome obstacles as a team.
- The German word for wedding Hochzeit comes from the words for 'high' and 'time'. It originally referred to a 'high celebration' rather than just a marriage ceremony.
Examples in context
- Zu diesem besonderen Anlass möchte ich Ihnen beiden alles Glück der Welt wünschen. Alles Gute für Ihre gemeinsame Zukunft!On this special occasion, I would like to wish you both all the happiness in the world. All the best for your future together!
- Herzlichen Glückwunsch zur Hochzeit! Ich bin so glücklich für euch und wünsche euch eine Zukunft voller Liebe und Freude.Congratulations on your wedding! I'm so happy for both of you and wish you a future filled with love and joy.
- Alles Gute für eure gemeinsame Zukunft! Möge eure Ehe stets von Glück und Zufriedenheit begleitet sein.All the best for your future together! May your marriage always be accompanied by happiness and contentment.
Example conversation
Julia meets Maximilian at his wedding reception.
- JuliaMaximilian, Herzlichen Glückwunsch zur Hochzeit!Maximilian, congratulations on your wedding!
- MaximilianDanke, Julia! Ich bin sehr glücklich.Thank you, Julia! I am very happy.
- JuliaIhr seht als Paar toll aus.You look great as a couple.
- MaximilianVielen Dank für deine lieben Worte.Thank you very much for your kind words.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Glückwunsch, Hochzeit, zur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
