freut mich für dich
In German, 'good for you' can be translated as freut mich für dich.
This expression is used to tell someone that you are happy about their success or good fortune. While you might also see Klasse! used to mean 'Great!', the standard way to express being happy for someone's good news is to use a form of the phrase meaning 'it pleases me for you'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase freut mich für dich literally translates to 'it pleases me for you'.
Which one should you use?
The phrase Schön für dich can also mean 'nice for you', but be careful: it is often used sarcastically in German, much like the English version of 'good for you'. To make the phrase freut mich für dich a complete, grammatically standard clause, you can add the pronoun Das to the beginning: Das freut mich für dich.
How does it change in a sentence?
German uses different pronouns to indicate who you are happy for. Use freut mich für dich when talking to one person informally, freut mich für Sie when addressing someone formally and freut mich für euch when expressing happiness for a group of people.
Did you know?
- The phrase freut mich is also the standard way to say 'nice to meet you' when introduced to someone, even though the word 'meet' is absent.
- The verb freuen in this phrase describes a state of being pleased, but it can also be used as a reflexive verb sich freuen to express anticipation for a future event.
- The word dich is a direct linguistic relative of the Old Saxon word 'thī', which is an ancestor of the English 'thee'.
Examples in context
- Ihnen möchte ich zu Ihrem Erfolg gratulieren. Gut gemacht!I would like to congratulate you on your success. Well done!
- Du hast die Prüfung bestanden. Super gemacht!You passed the exam. Well done!
- Das war spitze! Echt stark von dir!That was excellent! Really strong of you!
Example conversation
Hannah and Maximilian are talking about his new job.
- HannahHerzlichen Glückwunsch zum neuen Job!Congratulations on the new job!
- MaximilianVielen Dank, Hannah.Thank you very much, Hannah.
- HannahDas freut mich für dich!I am happy for you!
- MaximilianDas ist sehr lieb von dir.That is very kind of you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dich, für, mich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
