Learning how to say happy birthday in German will score major brownie points with your German friends! We’ve prepared this article to tell you everything you need to know about birthdays in Germany. This way, you can wish all your German friends a happy birthday in their language, and impress them with your language skills!

Happy Birthday in German

Nowadays, it’s very common to have friends or acquaintances from other countries. In your case, especially if you’re learning German, it’s quite possible that you have German friends! If so, you’ve probably found yourself in the situation of wanting to wish them a happy birthday. If, from now on, you’d like to do it in their native language, stick around. Today, we’ll teach you how to say “happy birthday” in German, along with other birthday-related vocabulary, and we’ll teach you about some common German traditions associated with birthday celebrations.

How to Say “Happy Birthday” in German

Usually, languages have several ways to express the same thing, but there’s always one that tends to be the most widely used. In this case, the most widely used way to say “happy birthday” in German is:

“Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!”, which can be translated into Spanish as “¡Todo lo mejor en tu cumpleaños!” (All the best on your birthday).

Other very common variations include:

  • “Alles Liebe” (all my love)
  • “Herzlichen Glückwunsch” (congratulations, best wishes)

What are some other informal expressions to say “happy birthday” in German?

  • Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag! (Heartfelt congratulations on your birthday!)
  • Alles Liebe zum Geburtstag! (All my love on your birthday!)
  • Feier schön! (Have a great celebration!)
  • Viel Glück und viel Segen! (Lots of luck and blessings!)

It’s true that birthdays are usually special occasions that we celebrate with family and friends. But sometimes, you might need to wish a happy birthday to a coworker or someone you don’t know very well. In those cases, it’s better to use a slightly more formal expression.

In German, there are various formal expressions to wish someone a happy birthday. Here are a few:

  • Alles Gute zum Geburtstag! (All the best for your birthday!)
  • Ich wünsche Ihnen alles Gute zum Geburtstag! (I wish you all the best for your birthday!)
  • Ich gratuliere Ihnen herzlich zum Geburtstag! (Heartfelt congratulations on your birthday!)
  • Zu Ihrem Geburtstag wünsche ich Ihnen viel Glück, Gesundheit und Erfolg! (On your birthday, I wish you lots of luck, health, and success!)

Other Expressions and Birthday-Related Vocabulary

  • Besides birthday wishes, it’ll be useful to know some German vocabulary related to birthdays.
  • And don’t forget the numbers! These will also be very helpful. You can learn the numbers in German in this article.
  • Feel free to use Forvo to listen to and learn the correct pronunciation of all this vocabulary.

Birthday Traditions in Germany

In Spain, we reach the age of maturity at 18, which comes with a lot of new freedoms: being able to drive, vote, drink… In the United States, you can drive at 16 but can’t drink alcohol until 21. What about in Germany? You might be surprised how different everything is.

Children’s Birthdays

Children’s birthday parties have a special touch. Many times, they include a “Geburtstagszug”, a birthday train.

This beautiful wooden train is made up of wagons that symbolize each year of the child’s life, up to a maximum of ten. With each new birthday, a candle is added to the train, creating a visual representation of growth and lighting up the child’s eyes with joy as they celebrate each new stage.

16 Years Old

In Germany, when you turn 16 you’re allowed to buy and drink alcohol, and go to nightclubs (until midnight). In some states, you can also vote in municipal elections (Kommunalwahlen).

17 Years Old

At this age, you can get your driver’s license and drive, as long as you’re accompanied by a registered adult.

18 Years Old

In Germany, turning 18 is the big birthday. You’re officially an adult. You can drive on your own, buy alcohol, and vote in general elections.

30 Years Old

At this age, some specific German birthday traditions start to come into play among friends. Let’s take a look:

If a man is single at 30, he must sweep the steps of the town or city courthouse with a broom.
Only if a woman passes by and agrees to kiss him (on the cheek) can he stop his cleaning duties.
Likewise, single women are made by their friends to clean doorknobs in public places. This tradition is called “Klinkenputzen”, and they also must ask for a kiss from strangers to be allowed to stop.

Other Birthdays

In general, birthdays in Germany are celebrated in a way quite similar to how we do: flowers, gifts, and cake take center stage. Interestingly, the birthday cake tradition actually has its roots in Germany.

Also, it’s important to note that you should never congratulate someone before their birthday, as it’s considered bad luck. Even though Germans are known for their punctuality, in this case, giving early birthday wishes is frowned upon. If the celebration takes place the night before, a practice called “in seinen Geburtstag reinfeiern” (celebrating into one’s birthday), you must wait until midnight to wish them a happy birthday.

 

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