Birthday wishes in German are a little longer than the English "Happy Birthday" — here are the standard ones.
Ways to say it
Alles Gute zum Geburtstag, liebe Anna!
Happy birthday, dear Anna!
Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag!
Warmest congratulations on your birthday!
Alles Liebe zum Geburtstag, mein Schatz.
All my love on your birthday, my darling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ways are there to say ‘Happy Birthday’ in German?+
3 common ways, each suited to a different situation — see the table above for the article, an example sentence, and exactly when to use each one.
Which one should I default to if I'm not sure?+
Alles Gute zum Geburtstag is the safest, most neutral choice — the table above notes the tone and best use for each option here.
Can I practice these with flashcards or a quiz?+
Yes — check the phrases you want using the checkboxes in the table, then use the bar at the bottom of the page to start Flashcards, Multiple Choice, or a Final Test.
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Practice tips
- ✓Tap play to hear each phrase before you try saying it yourself.
- ✓Notice which options are formal and which are informal before you use them.
- ✓Practice the example sentence, not just the phrase on its own — that's how it's actually used.