Erfolg
/ɛɐ̯ˈfɔlk/masculine
The German word for success is Erfolg.
Erfolg is used to describe the achievement of one's aim or goal. It is frequently used in the phrase viel Erfolg to wish someone much success before a specific task, such as an exam or a job interview.
Meaning: achievement of one's aim or goal (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Erfolg is a masculine noun. Its plural form is Erfolge. Additionally, Erfolg can function as a combining form (prefix) to create compound nouns, such as Erfolgserlebnis (experience of success).
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛɐ̯ˈfɔlk/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the verb erfolgen (which means to occur or take place) when you actually intend to use the noun Erfolg (success).
When do people say it?
The phrase viel Erfolg is a very common way to wish someone good luck before an exam, a job interview or a specific task.
Did you know?
- While viel Erfolg is common for exams, theater performers in Germany never use it. Instead, they say Hals- und Nasenbruch, which literally means 'break your neck and nose'.
- The word Erfolg shares a root with the English word 'follow'. It describes the result that 'follows' an action.
- In German, 'success' is not just a result but can be viewed as a 'follow-up' or 'consequence' due to its linguistic roots in the idea of something following an action.
Examples in context
- Ich suchte ohne Erfolg.I looked without success.This sentence shows how to use Erfolg to describe looking for something without success.Tatoeba #1301173 by al_ex_an_der, translation #13446239 by rul
- Ich wünsche dir Erfolg.I wish you success.This sentence demonstrates how to wish someone Erfolg.Tatoeba #7466910 by Yorwba, translation #2548825 by CK
- Ihr Erfolg erfreut mich.I rejoice in your success.This sentence shows how to express joy regarding someone's Erfolg.Tatoeba #2215918 by Zaghawa, translation #70902 by sacredceltic
- Ich wünsche Ihnen viel Erfolg in Ihrer neuen Position.I wish you much success in your new position.
- Der Erfolg dieses Projekts hängt von unserer Teamarbeit ab.The success of this project depends on our teamwork.
- Das Gelingen Ihrer Pläne liegt in Ihren Händen.The success of your plans is in your hands.
- Hast du Erfolg mit deinem Vorhaben gehabt?Did you have success with your endeavor?
- Hat es mit deiner Bewerbung geklappt?Did your job application work out?
- 341 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are talking about a project at work.
- FelixHattest du mit dem Projekt Erfolg?Did you have success with the project?
- JuliaJa, der Erfolg war wirklich groß.Yes, the success was really great.
- FelixDas ist toll, Julia!That is great, Julia!
- JuliaDanke, Felix.Thank you, Felix.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “success” translations and entries Erfolg, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Erfolg, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
