Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alles Gute zum Geburtstag | /ˈʔaləs ˈɡuːtə tsʊm ɡəˈbuːɐ̯tstaːk/ | |
| herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag | ||
| viel Glück zum Geburtstag | informal |
These phrases are used to express good wishes for someone's birthday.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase alles Gute zum Geburtstag literally translates to "all the best for the birthday". The phrase herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag literally translates to "heartfelt congratulations on the birthday".
Which one should you use?
Alles Gute zum Geburtstag is the most common, standard way to say happy birthday, whereas herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag is slightly more formal and emphasizes the congratulatory aspect.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag is a more formal or polite way to express birthday wishes compared to alles Gute zum Geburtstag. Viel Glück zum Geburtstag is an informal option.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Alles Gute zum Geburtstag! is used in Germany and Austria. While Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag! is universally understood in all German-speaking regions, the phrase Herzliche Gratulation zum Geburtstag! is commonly used in Switzerland.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word zum is a contraction of zu dem (to the/for the), which is used here to indicate the occasion for which the wishes are being made.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔaləs ˈɡuːtə tsʊm ɡəˈbuːɐ̯tstaːk/
When do people say it?
In German, it is considered bad luck to wish someone a happy birthday before their actual birth date, so avoid using these phrases early.
Did you know?
- The word Glück was likely borrowed into High German from Old Dutch as part of the Flemish knight culture.
Examples in context
- Alles Gute zum Geburtstag, Rumänien!Happy Birthday, Romania!This example shows how to use alles Gute zum Geburtstag to wish a country a happy birthday.Tatoeba #3668435 by al_ex_an_der, translation #3668483 by danepo
- Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag, Tom!Happy birthday, Tom!This is an example of using herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag to wish a person a happy birthday.Tatoeba #2338004 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2337263 by Hybrid
- Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag, Opa!Happy birthday, Grandpa.This is an example of using herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag to wish a grandfather a happy birthday.Tatoeba #6705837 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2650908 by meerkat
- Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!Turning older is like a fine wine – it gets better with age, just like you. Prost!
- Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag!Congratulations on surviving another year surrounded by crazy friends and family like us!
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian is surprising Hannah with a small cake at her office.
- MaximilianÜberraschung! Alles Gute zum Geburtstag, Hannah!Surprise! Happy birthday, Hannah!
- HannahOh, danke Maximilian! Das ist so lieb.Oh, thanks Maximilian! That is so kind.
- MaximilianHast du heute schon viele Geschenke bekommen?Have you already received many gifts today?
- HannahJa, ich bin heute sehr glücklich.Yes, I am very happy today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy birthday” translations and entries alles Gute zum Geburtstag, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Geburtstag, Glück, Glückwunsch, alles, alles Gute zum Geburtstag, viel, zum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
