Germans value good luck wishes just as much as anyone else, whether for exams, job interviews, or any other important occasions. If you’re looking to impress your German friends or colleagues, it’s always nice to be able to express yourself in their native language. In this guide, we will explore how to say “Wish me luck” in German, covering both formal and informal ways. Let’s dive right in!
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Formal Expressions:
If you’re in a formal or professional setting, such as before an important business meeting or when speaking to someone you have great respect for, it’s best to use a more polite form of expressing “Wish me luck.” Here are a few formal options:
- “Wünschen Sie mir Glück!” – This is a direct translation that maintains the formal language structure. The phrase is pronounced as “voon-shen zee meer glook.”
- “Ich hoffe, Sie drücken mir die Daumen!” – This expression translates to “I hope you keep your fingers crossed for me!” It is a common way to ask for good luck in formal situations. Pronounce it as “ihk hoh-feh zee droo-ken meer dee dow-men.”
- “Ich bitte um Glück!” – This phrase can be translated as “I ask for luck.” It is a more direct way to express your wishes while still maintaining a formal tone. The pronunciation is “ihk bitteh oom glook.”
Informal Expressions:
When you’re among friends or in a casual setting, you can opt for a more relaxed and informal approach. Here are a few ways to say “Wish me luck” in German informally:
- “Wünsch mir Glück!” – This is the informal version of the first formal expression mentioned earlier. The phrase is pronounced as “voonsh meer glook.”
- “Drück mir die Daumen!” – This direct translation of “Keep your fingers crossed for me!” is commonly used among friends and acquaintances. Pronounce it as “drook meer dee dow-men.”
- “Ich will Glück!” – A more straightforward expression, meaning “I want luck.” This phrase is less common but can still be used informally. It is pronounced as “ihk vill glook.”
Tips and Examples:
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using these phrases:
- It’s always polite to say “bitte” (please) before any of the expressions to make your request more polite and well-mannered. For example, “Bitte wünschen Sie mir Glück!”.
- Feel free to replace “mir” (me) with “uns” (us) when you want to extend the good luck wishes to a group of people, such as your friends or colleagues. For instance, “Wünschen Sie uns Glück!” or “Wünsch uns Glück!”
- When expressing “Wish me luck” in writing, it’s common to include an exclamation mark at the end to emphasize the urgency or excitement. For example, “Wünschen Sie mir Glück!” or “Drück mir die Daumen!”
Imagine you have an important job interview coming up, and you want to ask your German friend to wish you luck. In an informal setting, you can simply say, “Wünsch mir Glück bei meinem Vorstellungsgespräch!” (Wish me luck with my job interview!). This lets your friend know exactly what you need good luck for, while still maintaining a friendly and warm tone.
Remember, the context and relationship with the person you’re speaking to will determine whether to use a formal or informal expression. It’s always better to err on the side of politeness until you are sure of the appropriate form. Being courteous will leave a positive impression on the person you’re interacting with.
So, whether you’re wishing luck to a business associate or seeking good fortune from a close friend, these phrases will help you convey your message effectively. Good luck expressing your good luck wishes in German!
