Cheers in German is Prost. Prost is the standard German toast, used before drinking beer or in any casual round. Zum Wohl and Auf dein Wohl are the more formal alternatives, used for wine or with people you don't know well.
Ways to say it
Prost! Auf die Freundschaft!
Cheers! To friendship!
Zum Wohl! Auf einen schönen Abend.
To your health! To a lovely evening.
Auf dein Wohl, herzlichen Glückwunsch!
To your health, congratulations!
Where Prost Comes From?
Prost is a shortened form of the Latin prosit, meaning 'may it be beneficial.' German university students shortened prosit to Prost in the early 1700s, and the short form is now the everyday toast nationwide.
What’s the Difference Between Prost vs. Zum Wohl?
Prost usually fits for beer and casual rounds among friends. Zum Wohl fits wine, schnapps, and toasts with people you're meeting for the first time. Auf dein Wohl and Auf Ihr Wohl both work as a more personal version of Zum Wohl, addressed directly to one person.
German Toasting Etiquette: Eye Contact Matters
Germans make eye contact with each person at the table while clinking glasses. Skipping eye contact breaks an old superstition - some Germans still say it brings seven years of bad luck, particularly in love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Prost mean literally?+
Prost comes from the Latin prosit, meaning 'may it be beneficial' or 'may it do you good.'
What's the difference between Prost and Zum Wohl?+
Prost is the everyday toast for beer. Zum Wohl is more formal and fits wine, schnapps, or a toast with someone you don't know well.
Why do Germans make eye contact when toasting?+
It's a long-standing custom tied to an old superstition - skipping eye contact while clinking glasses is said to bring seven years of bad luck.
How do I practice these toasts?+
Select the phrases you want on this page, then start Flashcards, Multiple Choice, or a Final Test from the bar at the bottom.
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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.