🇩🇪 German phrases

How to Say "Congratulations" in German

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Herzlichen Glückwunsch
"Congratulations" in German · say it like hair-tslik-en glueck-vunsh

The most natural way to say "Congratulations" in German is Herzlichen Glückwunsch. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Glückwunsch
a more casual way to say congratulations
Gratulation
a formal variant, often used in written contexts

When to use it

You can use 'Herzlichen Glückwunsch' to congratulate someone on various occasions, such as birthdays, graduations, or promotions. It is appropriate in both formal and informal settings. Use the simpler 'Glückwunsch' among friends or in casual situations.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Congratulations" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in German

GermanEnglish
Herzlichen Glückwunsch zu deinem neuen Job!Congratulations on your new job!
Common mistake
Learners often forget to use the correct case, saying 'Herzlichen Glückwunsch zu dein Job' instead of 'deinem Job'.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Herzlichen Glückwunsch, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking German with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

When should I use 'Herzlichen Glückwunsch'?

Use it to congratulate someone on achievements or special occasions.

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