How to Say “Happy Birthday” in Pennsylvania Dutch

By Tina Charlotte • Updated October 16, 2026

Hallich Gebottsdaag

everyday

Happy birthday in Pennsylvania Dutch is Hallich Gebottsdaag. You will see it on cards and hear it at family birthday dinners.

Meaning: a birthday wish (phrase)

What does it mean word for word?

Hallich means "happy" and Gebottsdaag is "birthday", from the same roots as German Geburtstag.

Is it said differently in some regions?

Writers spell it a little differently, and Gebottsdaag may also appear as Gebortsdaag.

Did you know?

Mamm is "Mom" and Mammi is "Grandma" in many Pennsylvania Dutch families.

Examples in context

Hallich Gebottsdaag, Mammi!
Happy birthday, Grandma!

Example conversation

The Stoltzfus family gathers for their son Levi's birthday supper.

Mother

Hallich Gebottsdaag, Levi!
Happy birthday, Levi!
Levi

Denki, Mamm!
Thanks, Mom!
Mother

Do iss dei Kuche.
Here is your cake.

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About The Author

Tina Charlotte

Hoi! I'm Tina, a passionate lover of the Dutch language! I spend my days sharing my love for Dutch, both formal and informal, like how to say 'Goedemorgen' (good morning) or even 'Je bent schattig' (you're cute). When I'm not writing guides about Dutch, you'll find me enjoying a slice of Dutch 'taart' or a game of 'voetbal'. It's an interesting world, a world of words, and I can't wait to take you along on this language journey!

Tina CharlotteHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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