viel Spaß
/fiːl ʃpaːs/word by word
The phrase "have a lot of fun" in German is viel Spaß.
viel Spaß is a phrase used to wish someone an enjoyable time during an activity. When used as an exclamation to wish someone an enjoyable time, the verb haben (to have) is omitted, leaving just Viel Spaß!
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of viel (much/a lot) and Spaß (fun).
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike the English 'a lot of', the German viel does not require an article when used with uncountable nouns like Spaß.
How do you pronounce it?
/fiːl ʃpaːs/
Did you know?
- The word Spaß was borrowed from the Italian spasso, which comes from the Vulgar Latin expassāre. This root originally meant 'to stretch out', evoking the idea of lounging or relaxing.
- In English, you say 'it is fun', but in German, you must use the verb to make, saying Das macht Spaß.
- In the south of Germany and Austria, people often replace Spaß with Gaudi to wish someone a good time. Gaudi specifically implies a loud, boisterous, or chaotic kind of fun.
Examples in context
- Tom und ich haben viel Spaß.Tom and I have a lot of fun.Tatoeba #10020737 by Melang, translation #6269647 by CK
- Wir haben viel Spaß zusammen.We have a lot of fun together.Tatoeba #10084207 by wolfgangth, translation #3312402 by CK
- Wir beide werden viel Spaß haben.You and I are going to have a lot of fun.Tatoeba #3707586 by Sicaria, translation #3428517 by CK
- Willkommen! Ich wünsche Ihnen allen viel Vergnügen bei unserem heutigen Ereignis. Viel Spaß!Welcome! I wish all of you much pleasure at our event today. Have a lot of fun!
- Hey! Alles Gute zum Geburtstag! Viel Spaß bei deiner Feier!Hey! Happy birthday! Have a lot of fun at your celebration!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura is leaving for a concert and Maximilian is saying goodbye.
- MaximilianGehst du jetzt zum Konzert?Are you going to the concert now?
- LauraJa, ich gehe jetzt los.Yes, I am leaving now.
- MaximilianDann hab viel Spaß, Laura!Then have a lot of fun, Laura!
- LauraDanke, Maximilian!Thanks, Maximilian!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (viel, Spaß) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Spaß, viel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
