alles Gute
The English phrase "wish you all the best" is translated into German as alles Gute.
alles Gute is used to express good wishes to someone, often when saying goodbye or celebrating an occasion. You can use Alles Gute zum Geburtstag to specifically say "all the best for your birthday". Other related wishes include Viel Glück! for "Good luck!" or Mögen all Ihre Wünsche in Erfüllung gehen. for "May all your wishes come true."
Which one should you use?
While alles Gute is a standard way to express good wishes, you might use Alles Liebe as a warmer, more affectionate alternative typically reserved for close friends or family. You can also use Alles Liebe und Gute für Sie. to say "all love and good things to you".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In informal settings, such as birthdays or departures, it is common to use the standalone exclamation Alles Gute! When expressing this phrase formally, you would say Ich wünsche Ihnen alles Gute. Conversely, the informal version is Ich wünsche dir alles Gute.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 'Gute' is a substantivized adjective, which is why it is capitalized and takes the -e ending in this context.
Did you know?
- If you are wishing someone 'all the best' for a performance, you might hear Hals- und Beinbruch, which literally means 'break your neck and leg'.
- In Germany, saying alles Gute to someone before their actual birthday is often considered bad luck and is generally avoided.
- The phrase Alles Liebe replaces 'good' with 'love' and is so intimate that using it with a boss or a stranger would be seen as an inappropriate overstep.
Examples in context
- Ich wünsche dir alles Gute!I wish you all the best.This sentence demonstrates how to use alles Gute in an informal way to say "I wish you all the best."Tatoeba #8634529 by Melang, translation #2789086 by Trog41
- Ich drücke Ihnen die Daumen für Ihre anstehende Operation.I'm crossing my fingers for your upcoming surgery.
- Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!All the best for your birthday!
- Wir wünschen euch alles Gute.We wish you all the best.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia is saying goodbye to Julian, who is starting a new job.
- JuliaViel Glück bei deinem neuen Job, Julian!Good luck with your new job, Julian!
- JulianDanke, Julia! Das ist sehr lieb von dir.Thanks, Julia! That is very sweet of you.
- JuliaIch wünsche dir einfach alles Gute!I simply wish you all the best!
- JulianVielen Dank, wir bleiben in Kontakt.Thank you very much, we will stay in touch.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
