In German
Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!
Meaning: happy birthday
Formal or informal? “Alles Gute zum Geburtstag” works for everyone. “Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag” is a slightly more formal, warmer version.
Example sentences
AllesGutezumGeburtstag,Anna!
Happy birthday, Anna!
HerzlichenGlückwunschzumGeburtstag!
Congratulations on your birthday!
IchwünschedirallesGutezumGeburtstag.
I wish you all the best for your birthday.
Grammar note
“Alles Gute” means “all the best”. “Zum” is “zu dem”, so “zum Geburtstag” is “to the birthday”.
Common mistake
Don't say “Happy Birthday” in English as the greeting; in German, the wish is “Alles Gute zum Geburtstag”. (Germans do sing “Happy Birthday” though.)
Quick check
Which is the German birthday wish?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
Do Germans sing Happy Birthday in English?
Yes, it's common to sing it in English too, but the spoken wish is “Alles Gute zum Geburtstag”.
How do you say “happy birthday” to a grandparent?
“Alles Gute zum Geburtstag, Oma!” works well with family members.