ich wünsche dir viel Glück
To say "wish you luck" in German, you use ich wünsche dir viel Glück.
This phrase is used to express a hope that someone will be successful in a future endeavor. You might use alternatives like Alles Gute! to express similar well-wishes for success or general well-being. In some parts of Germany, people also say toi toi toi to wish someone luck.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ich wünsche dir viel Glück literally translates to I wish you much luck.
Which one should you use?
While ich wünsche dir viel Glück is a full sentence, the shortened version Viel Glück! is much more common in casual conversation. Additionally, the informal phrase Hals- und Beinbruch! can be used to wish someone luck, although it literally means "break a neck and leg".
How does it change in a sentence?
You can change the pronoun to reflect the number of people you are addressing. Use ich wünsche Ihnen viel Glück for a formal address and ich wünsche euch viel Glück if you are wishing luck to a group of people.
Did you know?
- The phrase toi toi toi is often accompanied by the custom of spitting three times, or mimicking the sound, over the other person's left shoulder.
- The German word for luck, Glück, might share its origins with the Dutch word luiken, meaning 'to close', suggesting that luck is something 'concluded' or 'determined'.
- The word Glück is used for both 'luck' and 'happiness', meaning a person can be glücklich whether they won the lottery or are in a loving relationship.
Examples in context
- Viel Glück bei deiner Präsentation!Good luck with your presentation!
- Ich wünsche Ihnen viel Glück bei Ihrem Vorstellungsgespräch!I wish you luck in your job interview!
- Alles Gute zum neuen Job!All the best for your new job!
- Alles Gute für deine Prüfung!All the best for your exam!
- Viel Glück und Erfolg bei deinem Vorsprechen!Good luck and success with your audition!
- Hals- und Beinbruch für deine Aufführung!Break a leg for your performance!
- Hals- und Beinbruch für dein wichtiges Fußballspiel!Break a leg for your important soccer game!
- Ich wünsche dir viel Glück bei der Prüfung.I wish you much luck with the exam.
- Ich wünsche dir viel Glück im neuen Job.I wish you much luck in the new job.
- Ich wünsche dir viel Glück für die Zukunft.I wish you much luck for the future.
Example conversation
Felix is seeing Hannah off before she starts a race.
- FelixIch wünsche dir viel Glück beim Rennen, Hannah!I wish you much luck during the race, Hannah!
- HannahDanke, Felix, das ist sehr lieb von dir.Thanks, Felix, that is very kind of you.
- FelixDu bist sehr gut vorbereitet.You are very well prepared.
- HannahIch hoffe es, danke für den Zuspruch!I hope so, thanks for the encouragement!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Glück, dir, ich, viel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
