Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| veel geluk! | /veːl ɣəˈlʏk/ (word by word) |
| (veel) succes! | /veːl sykˈsɛs/ (word by word) |
In Dutch, the phrase you choose depends on whether you are wishing someone fortune or wishing them success in a specific task. Use veel geluk! to wish someone fortune or luck regarding life events. Use (veel) succes! to encourage someone who is about to perform a task or achieve something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase veel geluk literally translates to "much luck".
Which one should you use?
veel geluk! is typically used when wishing someone luck with life events, such as a lottery, a birthday or a major life change. In contrast, (veel) succes! is the preferred way to wish someone luck when they are about to perform a task, such as an exam, a job interview or a presentation.
How do you pronounce it?
/veːl ɣəˈlʏk/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use veel geluk for exams or interviews, but in Dutch, succes is much more natural for performance-based situations.
Did you know?
- In Dutch, geluk can mean both 'luck' and 'happiness', so wishing someone veel geluk can sometimes sound like you are wishing them a life of joy rather than a winning lottery ticket.
- The word succes shares its roots with the Latin word for 'to go under' or 'to yield', implying a movement toward a result.
- When wishing someone 'good luck' on their birthday, the Dutch say veel geluk! In this specific context, they are wishing for happiness and prosperity rather than random chance.
Examples in context
- Veel geluk!Good luck.This example shows how to use veel geluk!Tatoeba #9051396 by Micsmithel, translation #239431 by sacredceltic
- Veel geluk! Je kunt het!Good luck! You can do it!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sophie is about to enter a job interview.
- LucasBen je zenuwachtig, Sophie?Are you nervous, Sophie?
- SophieJa, een beetje.Yes, a little bit.
- LucasJe kunt het! Veel geluk!You can do it! Good luck!
- SophieDank je wel, Lucas!Thank you, Lucas!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good luck” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (veel, geluk, succes) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries geluk, succes, veel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
