Alles Gute zum Geburtstag von
The German phrase for "happy birthday from" is Alles Gute zum Geburtstag von.
Alles Gute zum Geburtstag von is used to send birthday wishes on behalf of a specific person or a group. It is a common way to sign off a card or a message, such as writing "happy birthday from the whole family."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "All good for the birthday from".
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition von used in this phrase requires the dative case for the person or group that follows it.
Did you know?
- In Germany, it is considered bad luck to wish someone a Geburtstag before the actual date. Doing so is seen as a jinx and can be taken as a genuine social faux pas.
- In some regions of Germany, the birthday person might be subjected to Mehlbomben, where friends throw bags of flour over them as a playful prank.
- In German culture, it is common for the birthday person to provide the cake and treats for their colleagues or classmates, rather than receiving them as surprises.
Examples in context
- Alles Gute zum Geburtstag von mir!Happy birthday from me!
- Alles Gute zum Geburtstag von uns allen.Happy birthday from all of us.
- Alles Gute zum Geburtstag von deiner ganzen Familie.Happy birthday from your whole family.
Example conversation
Sarah calls Felix to give him birthday wishes on behalf of her colleagues.
- SarahHallo Felix, alles Gute zum Geburtstag von der ganzen Firma!Hello Felix, happy birthday from the whole company!
- FelixVielen Dank, Sarah! Das ist sehr nett.Many thanks, Sarah! That is very kind.
- SarahWir feiern heute Abend alle zusammen.We are all celebrating together tonight.
- FelixSuper, ich komme gerne vorbei.Great, I will gladly come by.
