In German
Frohes neues Jahr!
Meaning: happy new year
Formal or informal? Works in both formal and casual settings — said on January 1st itself, unlike “Guten Rutsch”, which is said beforehand, on New Year's Eve.
Example sentences
FrohesneuesJahr,euchallen!
Happy new year, everyone!
IchwünschedireinfrohesneuesJahr.
I wish you a happy new year.
FrohesneuesJahrundallesGute!
Happy new year and all the best!
Grammar note
“Frohes” takes the neuter ending “-es” because “Jahr” is neuter: “ein frohes neues Jahr”.
Common mistake
Don't use “Frohes neues Jahr” before New Year's Eve — use “Guten Rutsch” for wishing someone well in advance of the new year.
Quick check
Which phrase means “happy new year”, said on the day itself?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
When do I say “Frohes neues Jahr”?
On or after January 1st — it's the greeting for the new year itself.
What do I say before New Year's Eve?
“Guten Rutsch!”, wishing someone a good slide into the new year.