alles Gute zum Jahrestag
The German phrase for 'happy anniversary' is alles Gute zum Jahrestag.
This phrase is a greeting used to congratulate someone on the anniversary of a special event. It is suitable for any yearly recurrence, such as a relationship anniversary or the anniversary of a company's founding.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'all the best for the anniversary'.
Which one should you use?
While Jahrestag is a general term for any anniversary, the word Hochzeitstag is used specifically when referring to a wedding anniversary.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Jahrestag is a masculine noun. This is why the preposition zum (a contraction of zu and dem) uses the masculine dative article.
Did you know?
- The word Jahrestag can also refer to a day of remembrance for a tragedy or a death, making the context of alles Gute essential to avoid being insensitive.
- In Germany, it is common to celebrate a 'Paper Wedding' on the first anniversary by giving gifts made of paper.
- While English uses 'anniversary' from Latin, German uses a Germanic construction based on 'year' and 'day'.
Examples in context
- Alles Gute zum Jahrestag!Happy anniversary!This sentence shows how to use the phrase alles Gute zum Jahrestag.Tatoeba #8634543 by Melang, translation #2044414 by CK
- Alles Liebe zum Jubiläum!All the love on your anniversary!
- Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Hochzeitstag, meine Lieben!Congratulations on your wedding anniversary, my dear ones!
- Alles Gute zum Jahrestag, Schatz!All the best on our anniversary, darling!
- Alles Gute zum Jahrestag, meine Liebe!Happy anniversary, my love!
- Wir wünschen euch alles Gute zum Jahrestag.We wish you both a happy anniversary.
Example conversation
A couple is celebrating their wedding anniversary at a restaurant.
- MaximilianAlles Gute zum Jahrestag, Julia!Happy anniversary, Julia!
- JuliaDanke, Maximilian! Alles Gute zum Jahrestag auch dir.Thank you, Maximilian! Happy anniversary to you too.
- MaximilianSchön, dass wir heute hier sind.It is nice that we are here today.
- JuliaJa, das Essen ist wunderbar.Yes, the food is wonderful.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
