der
Glückwunsch
🎉 What does 'der Glückwunsch' mean?
Der Glückwunsch (plural: die Glückwünsche) is an expression of joy and recognition towards a person on the occasion of a special event or success. It's essentially wishing someone well or wishing them luck/happiness.
You use 'Glückwunsch' (often in the plural 'Glückwünsche') to congratulate someone, for example:
- For a birthday (zum Geburtstag)
- For a wedding (zur Hochzeit)
- For the birth of a child (zur Geburt eines Kindes)
- For passing an exam (zum Bestehen einer Prüfung)
- For a new job or promotion (zu einem neuen Job oder einer Beförderung)
- For an anniversary (zu einem Jubiläum)
It expresses goodwill and sharing in the other person's joy.
🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Der Glückwunsch
The word 'Glückwunsch' is a masculine noun. The article is der.
Singular Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Glückwunsch |
| Genitive | des | Glückwunsches / Glückwunschs |
| Dative | dem | Glückwunsch(e) |
| Accusative | den | Glückwunsch |
Plural Declension
The plural is 'die Glückwünsche'.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Glückwünsche |
| Genitive | der | Glückwünsche |
| Dative | den | Glückwünschen |
| Accusative | die | Glückwünsche |
Example Sentences
- Ich sende dir meinen herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag!
I send you my heartfelt congratulations for your birthday! - Der Präsident übermittelte dem Siegerteam seine Glückwünsche.
The president conveyed his congratulations to the winning team. - Nimm bitte diesen kleinen Glückwunsch von mir entgegen.
Please accept this small congratulation from me. - Wir möchten Ihnen unsere aufrichtigen Glückwünsche zur Beförderung aussprechen.
We would like to express our sincere congratulations on your promotion.
💬 When and how to use 'Glückwunsch'?
'Glückwunsch' is used to congratulate someone. It's a very common word in both everyday and formal situations.
- Formal: "Ich übermittle Ihnen meine herzlichsten Glückwünsche zu Ihrem Erfolg." (I convey my sincerest congratulations on your success.)
- Informal: "Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag!" (Happy birthday! / Heartfelt congratulations on your birthday!) or simply "Glückwunsch zur bestandenen Prüfung!" (Congrats on passing the exam!)
- Written: In cards, letters, or emails, often as "Herzliche Glückwünsche" (Heartfelt congratulations).
The most common phrase is "Herzlichen Glückwunsch!". This is a set phrase suitable for almost any occasion.
Difference from 'Gratulation': 'Gratulation' is a very similar synonym but can sometimes sound slightly more formal or detached than 'Glückwunsch'. 'Glückwunsch' emphasizes the wish (Wunsch) for happiness/luck (Glück) for the person more strongly.
⚠️ Be careful with the dative plural ending: "Ich gratuliere mit herzlichen Glückwunschen." (I congratulate with heartfelt congratulations.)
🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Glückwunsch'
Mnemonic for the Article 'der'
Imagine a man (der Mann) delivering a big, important WISH (Wunsch) full of LUCK/HAPPINESS (Glück) – that's der Glückwunsch. Think of the 'Wunsch' itself as being masculine in this image.
Mnemonic for the Meaning
A Glückwunsch is a WISH (Wunsch) intended to bring you LUCK/HAPPINESS (Glück). Simple formula: Glück + Wunsch = Glückwunsch! 🎁 It's a 'luck-wish'.
🔄 Similar & Opposite: Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Gratulation (die): Very similar, often interchangeable, sometimes slightly more formal.
- Anerkennung (die): Recognition, emphasizes acknowledging an achievement.
- Beifall (der): Applause, acclaim, more for public achievements.
- Segenswunsch (der): Blessing, wish for blessing, often religious or solemn.
- Huldigung (die): Homage, tribute, often exaggerated or historical.
Similar but potentially confusing words:
😄 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Glückwunsch seinen Job verloren?
Er war zu positiv eingestellt, alle anderen wurden neidisch!
Why did the congratulation lose its job?
It was too positive, everyone else got jealous!
📜 A Poem about Congratulations
Ein Lächeln, ein Wort, so fein,
soll dir heut ein Glückwunsch sein.
Für große Schritte, kleine Siege,
dass Freude stets dich überwiege.
Ob Prüfung, Festtag oder Start,
ein guter Wunsch von warmer Art.
Drum nimm ihn an, von Herzen rein,
der Glückwunsch soll dein Begleiter sein.
A smile, a word, so fine,
May a Glückwunsch be yours today.
For big steps, small victories,
May joy always outweigh.
Whether exam, holiday, or start,
A good wish of a warm kind.
So accept it, pure of heart,
May der Glückwunsch be your companion.
❓ Riddle Time
Ich komme oft mit 'Herzlich' daher,
zu Geburtstag, Erfolg und noch mehr.
Ich bringe Freude, bin gern gehört,
hab' 'Glück' und 'Wunsch' in mir verehrt.
Was bin ich?
I often come with 'Herzlich' (heartfelt),
For birthdays, success, and much more.
I bring joy, am gladly heard,
I have 'Glück' (luck) and 'Wunsch' (wish) revered within me.
What am I?
Solution: Der Glückwunsch (The congratulation)
💡 More Tidbits
Word Composition
The word 'Glückwunsch' is a compound noun (ein Kompositum), made up of:
So, a Glückwunsch is literally a "luck-wish" or a "wish for happiness" for someone.
Common Phrases
- Herzlichen Glückwunsch! (Heartfelt congratulations! / Happy Birthday! etc.)
- Meine/Unsere besten Glückwünsche! (My/Our best wishes/congratulations!)
- Glückwunsch und alles Gute! (Congratulations and all the best!)
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Glückwunsch?
The noun 'Glückwunsch' is masculine, so the correct article is 'der'. It means 'congratulation' or 'good wishes' offered on a happy occasion.