If you’re looking to expand your German vocabulary and express the concept of “success,” you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to say “success” in German. Additionally, we’ll provide you with tips, examples, and regional variations, when necessary, to help you navigate the nuances of the German language and use the right terms in the appropriate context.
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Formal Ways to Say “Success” in German
When it comes to formal situations, such as business settings or when addressing someone with respect, using the appropriate word to convey “success” is crucial. Below are some formal equivalents of “success” in German:
1. Erfolg
The most common and widely used term for “success” in German is “Erfolg.” This versatile word can be used in various contexts, such as personal achievements, career accomplishments, or the success of a project. For example:
Example 1: Ich wünsche Ihnen viel Erfolg in Ihrer neuen Position. (I wish you much success in your new position.)
Example 2: Der Erfolg dieses Projekts hängt von unserer Teamarbeit ab. (The success of this project depends on our teamwork.)
2. Gelingen
Another formal term for “success” is “Gelingen,” which emphasizes the notion of achievement and accomplishment. It often implies overcoming obstacles or achieving a specific goal. A formal usage of “Gelingen” could be:
Example: Das Gelingen Ihrer Pläne liegt in Ihren Händen. (The success of your plans is in your hands.)
3. Vollbringen
“Vollbringen” is a formal verb that translates to “to accomplish” or “to achieve.” While it is less commonly used than the previous terms, it adds a sense of determination and effort to the notion of success. An example of “Vollbringen” in a formal context could be:
Example: Wir hoffen, dass Sie die gewünschten Ergebnisse vollbringen werden. (We hope that you will achieve the desired results.)
Informal Ways to Say “Success” in German
In informal settings, among friends, or when addressing people you are on familiar terms with, you can use slightly different phrases to express “success.” Below are some informal alternatives:
1. Erfolg haben
The informal equivalent of “Erfolg” is “Erfolg haben,” which directly translates to “to have success.” This phrase is commonly used in casual conversations to express personal achievements or small victories. For instance:
Example 1: Hast du Erfolg mit deinem Vorhaben gehabt? (Did you have success with your endeavor?)
Example 2: Wir hatten großen Erfolg beim Wettbewerb. (We had great success in the competition.)
2. Es geschafft haben
“Es geschafft haben” is an informal phrase literally meaning “to have made it.” Although it does not directly translate to “success,” it implies having achieved a goal and experiencing a sense of accomplishment. This phrase is often used in everyday conversations. Consider the following examples:
Example: Endlich habe ich es geschafft, den Deutschkurs abzuschließen. (Finally, I made it through the German course.)
3. Klappen
“Klappen” is an informal verb meaning “to work out” or “to go well.” While it does not directly translate to “success,” it conveys a positive outcome or the successful completion of a task. This colloquial term is often used in everyday conversations. Here’s an example:
Example: Hat es mit deiner Bewerbung geklappt? (Did your job application work out?)
Regional Variations
The German language may have some regional variations, particularly in idiomatic expressions or dialects. However, when it comes to the concept of “success,” the variations are minimal. The terms mentioned above are commonly understood and widely used across Germany, regardless of the region or dialect.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “success” in German. Remember to adapt your choice of words based on the situation and level of formality. Whether you want to convey “Erfolg,” “Gelingen,” “Vollbringen,” “Erfolg haben,” “Es geschafft haben,” or “Klappen,” you’ll be well-equipped to express the concept of success accurately in German.
Continue practicing these terms in various contexts to strengthen your German language skills. Wishing you much success (Viel Erfolg!) on your language learning journey!
