How to say happy birthday in German
Alles Gute zum Geburtstag
Say it like this: AH-less GOO-tuh tsoom geh-BOORTS-tahk
To say happy birthday in German, you say "Alles Gute zum Geburtstag". It works in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, for friends, family and workmates alike. Here is how to say it, plus other ways to wish someone well.
Word for word, it means "all good for the birthday", or "all the best on your birthday". "Geburtstag" joins "Geburt" (birth) and "Tag" (day).
Other ways to say happy birthday in German
- Alles Gute!Say it like this: AH-less GOO-tuhThe short, casual version. Perfect for friends and quick messages.
- Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum GeburtstagSay it like this: HAIRTS-likh-en GLEWK-voonsh tsoom geh-BOORTS-tahkMeans "heartfelt congratulations on your birthday". Very common, and good for anyone.
- Alles Liebe zum GeburtstagSay it like this: AH-less LEE-buh tsoom geh-BOORTS-tahkMeans "all my love on your birthday". For close family, a partner or dear friends.
- Ich wünsche dir alles Gute zum GeburtstagSay it like this: ikh VEWN-shuh deer AH-less GOO-tuh tsoom geh-BOORTS-tahkMeans "I wish you all the best on your birthday". Friendly and personal.
- Ich wünsche Ihnen alles Gute zum GeburtstagSay it like this: ikh VEWN-shuh EE-nen AH-less GOO-tuh tsoom geh-BOORTS-tahkThe polite form, for a boss, a client or an older person.
- Nachträglich alles Gute zum GeburtstagSay it like this: NAHKH-trayg-likh AH-less GOO-tuh tsoom geh-BOORTS-tahkMeans "belated happy birthday". Use it if you have missed the day.
The Happy Birthday song in German
Zum Geburtstag viel Glück,
zum Geburtstag viel Glück,
zum Geburtstag, liebe [name],
zum Geburtstag viel Glück.
This is sung to the usual Happy Birthday tune (use "lieber" for a man), and another traditional song, "Viel Glück und viel Segen", is also popular.
Birthday customs
- In Germany, wishing someone happy birthday before the day is thought to bring bad luck. Wait until the day itself.
- Some people hold a party the night before and celebrate as the clock strikes midnight. This is called "reinfeiern", or partying into your birthday.
- In Germany, the birthday person often brings cake into work for their colleagues, rather than the other way round.
- In parts of northern Germany, a man still single at 30 may be asked to sweep the town hall steps while friends throw rubbish for him to clear.
A quick tip
In a card, start with "Liebe" for a woman or "Lieber" for a man, for example "Liebe Anna" or "Lieber Tom". And remember that German nouns start with a capital letter, so write "Gute" and "Geburtstag" with capitals.
Questions people ask
Can I say happy birthday early in German?
It is best not to. Many Germans believe early wishes bring bad luck, so wait for the day or say "nachträglich" if you are late.
What is the difference between "Alles Gute" and "Herzlichen Glückwunsch"?
"Alles Gute" means "all the best". "Herzlichen Glückwunsch" means "heartfelt congratulations". Both are used for birthdays and both are friendly.
Is it the same in Austria and Switzerland?
Yes. "Alles Gute zum Geburtstag" is understood and used wherever German is spoken.
Wish someone happy birthday in German
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in German: 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.