Prost
/pʁoːst/
The German phrase for "toast or cheers" is Prost.
This exclamation is used before drinking to wish others good health or success.
Which one should you use?
Prost is the most common way to say cheers in casual settings, such as with friends or at a pub. For more polite or upscale settings, use the formal alternative Zum Wohl. In the southern regions of Germany and Austria, Prosit! is a popular way to toast.
How do you pronounce it?
/pʁoːst/
When do people say it?
When saying Prost, it is a strong cultural custom to maintain direct eye contact with the person you are clinking glasses with.
Did you know?
- In Germany, failing to maintain eye contact while saying Prost is often jokingly said to bring seven years of bad luck in the bedroom.
- Long before it was used for drinking, the root word was used as a polite response to someone sneezing, much like saying 'bless you' in English.
Examples in context
- Prost!Cheers!
- Wir sagen Prost auf das Wochenende.We say cheers to the weekend.
- Ein kurzes Prost auf die Freundschaft.A quick cheers to friendship.
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are raising their glasses at a café.
- LauraAuf unser neues Projekt, Prost!To our new project, cheers!
- FelixProst, Laura!Cheers, Laura!
- LauraDas schmeckt wirklich gut.This tastes really good.
- FelixJa, das ist sehr erfrischend.Yes, it is very refreshing.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry prost.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries prost, CC BY-SA 4.0.
