Alles Gute!
casual
Among friends Germans say Alles Gute! or the English Happy Birthday! The standard wish is Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag! It is also called Herzlichen Glückwunsch!
Meaning: casual birthday wish (phrase)
Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| Alles Gute! | casual |
| Happy Birthday! | casual, English loanword |
| Herzlichen Glückwunsch! | standard |
Alles Gute means "all the best" and is understood as a birthday wish on the day itself. You can add zum Geburtstag to be clear.
Which one should you use?
Herzlichen Glückwunsch is the all-purpose congratulation and is a little more formal.
How do you pronounce it?
The English Happy Birthday is usually pronounced the English way, even in German sentences.
Did you know?
- In Germany it is considered bad luck to congratulate someone before the birthday has arrived.
Examples in context
- Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag!Happy birthday!
Example conversation
Max calls his friend Sara on her birthday.
- MaxHey Sara, alles Gute zum Geburtstag!Hey Sara, happy birthday!
- SaraDanke dir, Max!Thank you, Max!
- MaxFeierst du heute Abend?Are you celebrating tonight?
