Alles Gute
The English phrase "wish you the best" can be translated into German as Alles Gute.
Alles Gute is used to express good intentions or congratulations to someone regarding a special occasion or a future event. You can use it as a standalone closing in cards or emails, similar to saying "Best wishes" in English. If you want to wish someone the best for a specific event, use the preposition für followed by that event, such as Alles Gute für die Prüfung (All the best for the exam). Other ways to express well wishes include Viel Glück! (Good luck!) or Ich drücke Ihnen die Daumen! (I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!).
What does it mean word for word?
Alles Gute literally translates to "everything good".
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the full sentence Ich wünsche dir alles Gute, the word dir is the dative form of du because the person being wished is the indirect object. To make the sentence formal, you replace the informal dir with the formal Ihnen, resulting in Ich wünsche Ihnen alles Gute.
Did you know?
- When wishing someone luck for a performance or exam, Germans might say Hals- und Beinbruch, which literally means 'break your neck and leg'.
- The phrase Alles Gute is frequently accompanied by the gesture of pressing the thumbs, reflecting the idiom Ich drücke die Daumen.
- For very close friends or romantic partners, Germans often upgrade the sentiment from Alles Gute to Alles Liebe, meaning 'all my love'.
Examples in context
- Ich wünsche dir alles Gute.I wish you the best.This sentence demonstrates how to use the phrase in a complete sentence.Tatoeba #1714866 by Esperantostern, translation #11497968 by CK
- Ich wünsche Ihnen alles Gute für Ihre bevorstehende Reise!I wish you all the best for your upcoming trip!
- Ich wünsche dir das Beste in deinem neuen Job!I wish you the best in your new job!
- Alles Gute für die Prüfung!All the best for the exam!
- Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!All the best for your birthday!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah is saying goodbye to Maximilian, who is starting a new job.
- HannahAlles Gute für deinen neuen Job, Maximilian!All the best for your new job, Maximilian!
- MaximilianVielen Dank, Hannah!Many thanks, Hannah!
- HannahDu wirst das sicher schaffen.You will surely manage it.
- MaximilianDas ist sehr lieb von dir.That is very kind of you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
