Glück
/ɡlʏk/neuter
The German word for luck is Glück.
Glück refers to something that happens to someone by chance. Depending on the context, it can also mean happiness, describing a state of being. If you want to describe someone as lucky or happy, you use the adjective glücklich.
Meaning: something that happens to someone by chance (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Glück can mean both luck (chance) and happiness (state of being), the context will determine which meaning is intended.
How does it change in a sentence?
Glück is a neuter noun and is used with the article das.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡlʏk/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because Glück is a noun, it must always be capitalized. Do not forget to use a capital letter as you would with all nouns in German.
When do people say it?
A common way to wish someone luck, especially when they are facing a specific challenge or a test, is to say Viel Glück! For a more colloquial way to say "break a leg," you can use the expression Hals- und Beinbruch. You might also combine well wishes by saying Gute Reise und viel Glück!, which means "Have a good trip and good luck!"
Did you know?
- The word Glück was likely borrowed into German from the culture of Flemish knights in the 12th century.
Examples in context
- Viel Glück für alles.Good luck with everything.This sentence is useful for wishing someone luck with everything using Glück.Tatoeba #3641880 by Zaghawa, translation #8782982 by sundown
- Ich wünsche dir Glück.I wish you good luck.Tatoeba #1224642 by Esperantostern, translation #54468 by CK
- Tschüss und viel Glück!Goodbye and good luck.This sentence is useful for saying goodbye and wishing someone luck using Glück.Tatoeba #485474 by Espi, translation #434818 by lukaszpp
- Ich wünsche Ihnen viel Glück bei Ihrem Vorstellungsgespräch.I wish you good luck in your job interview.
- Ich wünsche Ihnen alles Gute für Ihre Prüfung.I wish you all the best for your exam.
- Viel Erfolg beim Fußballspiel!Good luck in the soccer game!
- Na dann, Hals- und Beinbruch für deine Präsentation!Well then, break a leg in your presentation!
- Gute Reise und viel Glück bei deinem neuen Abenteuer!Have a good trip and good luck in your new adventure!
- 199 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are talking about a lottery ticket.
- HannahHast du Glück im Spiel?Do you have luck in gambling?
- JulianNein, ich habe nie Glück.No, I never have luck.
- HannahIch glaube an das Glück.I believe in luck.
- JulianIch hoffe auf ein bisschen Glück.I hope for a little luck.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “luck” translations and entries Glück, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Glück, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
