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 offer good wishes for a birthday. While alles Gute zum Geburtstag is the standard and most common way to express this, you can also use more emphatic or specific variations depending on the setting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase alles Gute zum Geburtstag literally translates to 'all the best for the birthday'. In the phrase herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag, the words translate to 'heartfelt congratulations on the birthday'. The phrase viel Glück zum Geburtstag literally means 'much luck for the birthday'.
Which one should you use?
Alles Gute zum Geburtstag is the standard, most common way to say happy birthday. Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag is slightly more formal or emphatic. Viel Glück zum Geburtstag is an informal variation used to wish someone luck on their birthday.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Alles Gute zum Geburtstag is a standard expression that can be used in informal settings. Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag is a more formal or polite way to express birthday wishes. Viel Glück zum Geburtstag is an informal option. In professional settings, you might also use the polite phrase Ich wünsche Ihnen einen schönen Geburtstag! (I wish you a lovely birthday!).
How does it change in a sentence?
In these phrases, zum is a contraction of zu (to/for) and dem (the), used to indicate the occasion of the birthday.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔaləs ˈɡuːtə tsʊm ɡəˈbuːɐ̯tstaːk/
When do people say it?
In German-speaking cultures, it is often considered bad luck to wish someone a happy birthday before the actual day of their birth. Additionally, the English phrase 'Happy Birthday!' is widely understood among younger generations in Germany.
Did you know?
- The German word for luck in viel Glück zum Geburtstag was likely borrowed from Old Dutch and the culture of Flemish knights.
- The word Glückwunsch is a compound noun combining Glück, meaning 'luck', and Wunsch, meaning 'wish'.
- While alles Gute zum Geburtstag is the standard, the word Gute is actually a substantivized adjective, meaning 'good' has been turned into a noun meaning 'good things'.
Examples in context
- Alles Gute zum Geburtstag, Rumänien!Happy Birthday, Romania!This example shows how to use alles Gute zum Geburtstag in a celebratory sentence.Tatoeba #3668435 by al_ex_an_der, translation #3668483 by danepo
- Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag, Tom!Happy birthday, Tom!This example demonstrates using herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag to address a person.Tatoeba #2338004 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2337263 by Hybrid
- Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag, Opa!Happy birthday, Grandpa.This example demonstrates using herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag to address a family member.Tatoeba #6705837 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2650908 by meerkat
- Alles Gute zum Geburtstag, Liebling!All the best for your birthday, darling!
- Ich wünsche dir einen Tag voller Lachen und Liebe!I wish you a day full of laughter and love!
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura wishes Maximilian a happy birthday at a party.
- LauraHallo Maximilian, alles Gute zum Geburtstag!Hello Maximilian, happy birthday!
- MaximilianVielen Dank, Laura!Thank you very much, Laura!
- LauraHast du schon schöne Geschenke bekommen?Have you received any nice presents yet?
- MaximilianJa, ich habe schon ein tolles Buch.Yes, I already have a great book.
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.
