How to say happy birthday in Afrikaans
Gelukkige verjaarsdag
Say it like this: khuh-LUK-kuh-khuh fur-YAARS-dakh
To say happy birthday in Afrikaans, you say "Gelukkige verjaarsdag". Afrikaans is spoken in South Africa and Namibia. The "g" is a soft rasping sound at the back of the throat, a bit like the "ch" in the Scottish word "loch". Here is how to say it, plus other friendly ways to send your wishes.
"Gelukkige" means happy or lucky, from "geluk" (luck or happiness). "Verjaarsdag" means birthday. It joins "verjaar" (to have a birthday) and "dag" (day).
Other ways to say happy birthday in Afrikaans
- Veels geluk!Say it like this: FEELS khuh-LUKMeans "much happiness". Very common, short and fine for anyone.
- Veels geluk met jou verjaarsdagSay it like this: FEELS khuh-LUK met yoh fur-YAARS-dakhMeans "lots of happiness on your birthday". A favourite in cards and messages.
- Baie geluk!Say it like this: BAH-yuh khuh-LUKMeans "lots of luck" or "congratulations". Casual and warm, great for friends.
- Hartlike gelukwense met jou verjaarsdagSay it like this: HART-luh-kuh khuh-LUK-ven-suh met yoh fur-YAARS-dakhMeans "heartfelt congratulations on your birthday". A little more formal, nice in writing.
- Ek hoop jy het 'n wonderlike dagSay it like this: ek HOO-up yay het uh VON-der-luh-kuh DAKHMeans "I hope you have a wonderful day". A kind extra line after the greeting.
- Veels geluk met u verjaarsdagSay it like this: FEELS khuh-LUK met ew fur-YAARS-dakhThe polite form using "u", for an older person, a boss or someone you do not know well.
The Happy Birthday song in Afrikaans
Gelukkige verjaarsdag,
gelukkige verjaarsdag,
gelukkige verjaarsdag, liewe [name],
gelukkige verjaarsdag.
Many South African families simply sing the English "Happy Birthday". When people sing in Afrikaans, they usually fit these words to the same tune.
Birthday customs
- In South Africa, the 21st birthday is a big milestone. The birthday person is often given a large decorated key, a symbol of becoming an adult.
- In South Africa and Namibia, a birthday is often celebrated with a braai, a relaxed outdoor barbecue with family and friends.
A quick tip
Afrikaans uses "jy" and "jou" for friends and family, and the polite "u" for older people or strangers. If you are not sure, "Veels geluk!" works for everyone, so you cannot go wrong with it.
Questions people ask
How do you say happy birthday in Afrikaans to a friend?
Say "Veels geluk!" or "Baie geluk!". Both are short, warm and natural with friends.
Is Afrikaans the same as Dutch?
No, but they are close cousins. A Dutch speaker would say "Gefeliciteerd" or "Fijne verjaardag", while in Afrikaans you say "Gelukkige verjaarsdag" or "Veels geluk".
What do you say back?
Just say "Dankie!" (DUN-kee), which means thank you. To be extra warm, say "Baie dankie!" (BAH-yuh DUN-kee).
Wish someone happy birthday in Afrikaans
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Afrikaans: a gift box to open, confetti, their name in gold and the birthday song. Then send it by WhatsApp, text or email. It is free.