alles Gute nachträglich zum Geburtstag
The English phrase "happy belated birthday" is translated into German as alles Gute nachträglich zum Geburtstag.
This phrase is used to wish someone a happy birthday after the actual date has passed. You can also use the verb gratulieren with the preposition zum in the construction nachträglich zum Geburtstag gratulieren to congratulate belatedly on a birthday.
What does it mean word for word?
The word nachträglich literally means 'belatedly' or 'after the fact', which is the part of the phrase that conveys the 'belated' meaning.
Did you know?
- In many German-speaking regions, people might avoid saying 'Happy Birthday' too early because they believe it invites 'unheil' or bad luck into the person's upcoming year.
- If you are late with a birthday wish, you are technically performing an act of Nachtrag, which can also mean an 'appendix' or an 'addendum' to a document.
- While English speakers often say 'Happy belated birthday', saying 'Happy birthday belatedly' is more common in German logic. This is why the word nachträglich often appears in the middle or end of the sentence.
Examples in context
- Ich wünsche dir alles Gute nachträglich zum Geburtstag.I wish you a happy belated birthday.
- Oje, alles Gute nachträglich zum Geburtstag, Laura!Oh dear, happy belated birthday, Laura!
Example conversation
Maximilian meets Laura at a café after missing her birthday.
- MaximilianHallo Laura, alles Gute nachträglich zum Geburtstag!Hello Laura, happy belated birthday!
- LauraVielen Dank, Maximilian!Thank you very much, Maximilian!
- MaximilianHast du einen schönen Tag gehabt?Did you have a nice day?
- LauraJa, ich hatte eine tolle Party.Yes, I had a great party.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Geburtstag, alles, nachträglich, zum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
