Ways to say it
| Swiss German | Note |
|---|---|
| Alles Gueti zum Geburtstag | |
| Alles Gueti zum Geburi | informal |
| Härzlichi Gratulation zum Geburtstag | formal |
Among friends the word for birthday is often shortened to Geburi, so you will hear Alles Gueti zum Geburi. For a more formal wish, say Härzlichi Gratulation zum Geburtstag.
What does it mean word for word?
Alles Gueti means 'all the best' and zum Geburtstag means 'for the birthday'. Härzlichi Gratulation means 'heartfelt congratulations'.
Which one should you use?
Alles Gueti zum Geburtstag suits everyone. Alles Gueti zum Geburi is relaxed and friendly. Härzlichi Gratulation fits a colleague, a boss or a card.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The birthday wish itself barely changes. Formality shows in how you address the person: ich wünsch dir to a friend and ich wünsch Ihne to someone you address formally.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Pronunciation changes from region to region. In Bern you may hear Alles Guete, and spellings vary because Swiss German has no fixed written standard.
How does it change in a sentence?
zum is a short form of zu dem, 'to the'. Gueti is the Swiss form of Standard German Gute, 'good things'.
How do you pronounce it?
Gueti has two vowel sounds, 'gu-eti', not the single long u of Standard German Gute. The ch in Härzlichi is a soft sound made at the back of the mouth.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Many people in Switzerland believe it is bad luck to wish someone a happy birthday before the actual day. Wait until the birthday itself or say it after.
When do people say it?
In Swiss workplaces it is common for the person celebrating to bring cake or pastries for colleagues, rather than receive them. Friends usually reply to birthday wishes with merci vielmal.
Did you know?
- Geburi is a Swiss nickname for Geburtstag, and it is common in speech, text messages and birthday cards.
- Wishing someone a happy birthday too early is widely seen as bad luck in Switzerland, so people wait for the day itself.
Examples in context
- Alles Gueti zum Geburi und es schöns Fäscht!Happy birthday and have a great party!
- Ich wünsch dir alles Gueti zum Geburtstag.I wish you all the best on your birthday.
- Wie alt bisch jetzt?How old are you now?
Example conversation
Nina calls her friend Jonas on his birthday.
- NinaAlles Gueti zum Geburi!Happy birthday!
- JonasMerci vielmal!Thank you very much!
- NinaWas machsch hüt?What are you doing today?
- JonasMir gönd am Abig go ässe.We are going out to eat this evening.
