die  Gratulation

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡʁatuˈlaːt͡sjoːn/

🎉 What does 'die Gratulation' mean?

Die Gratulation (feminine, article 'die') refers to the act or expression of congratulating someone. It's an expression of good wishes, recognition, or joy regarding another person's positive event or success.

You typically use 'die Gratulation' for occasions like birthdays (Geburtstage), weddings (Hochzeiten), passed exams (bestandene Prüfungen), promotions (Beförderungen), or other personal or professional achievements.

🚨 There is only one article ('die') for this word because it's a feminine noun ending in '-tion'. Such nouns are almost always feminine in German. Remember: die Gratulation.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Gratulation

'Gratulation' is a feminine noun. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences

1. Ich möchte dir meine herzliche Gratulation zur bestandenen Prüfung aussprechen!
   I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations on passing the exam!
2. Die Gratulationen kamen von Freunden aus aller Welt.
   The congratulations came from friends all over the world.
3. Er nahm die Gratulation mit einem Lächeln entgegen.
   He accepted the congratulation with a smile.
4. Im Namen des gesamten Teams überbringe ich Ihnen unsere Gratulation zur Beförderung.
   On behalf of the entire team, I offer you our congratulations on your promotion.

💬 How to use 'die Gratulation'?

'Die Gratulation' is often used in more formal contexts than the more common word 'der Glückwunsch'. However, they can often be used interchangeably, although 'Gratulation' sometimes sounds a bit more formal.

• Formal Occasions: 'Gratulation' is very suitable for official ceremonies (offizielle Feiern), award ceremonies (Preisverleihungen), or written congratulations (e.g., in Karten or Briefen - cards or letters).
• Spoken Congratulations: In everyday life, people more often say "Herzlichen Glückwunsch!" (Heartfelt congratulations!) than "Herzliche Gratulation!". However, the latter is not incorrect.
• As a Noun: One speaks of a Gratulation (von einer Gratulation), one delivers a Gratulation (überbringt eine Gratulation), one receives a Gratulation (nimmt eine Gratulation entgegen). The corresponding verb is 'gratulieren' (to congratulate).

Compared to 'Glückwunsch': 'Glückwunsch' (often plural 'Glückwünsche') is more common in daily use and perhaps a bit warmer in tone. 'Gratulation' often emphasizes the recognition of an achievement (Anerkennung einer Leistung).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Gratulation'

For the article 'die': Nouns ending in '-tion' are almost always feminine in German. Think: 'the information', 'the production', 'the congratulation' all relate to feminine 'die' in German (die Information, die Produktion, die Gratulation). It's a rule with high prediction!

For the meaning: It sounds very similar to the English word 'congratulation' and means the same thing. When someone achieves something great, you 'gratulate' them with a 'Gratulation'.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Be careful: Words like 'Gravitation' (gravity) sound vaguely similar but have a completely different meaning.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Luftballon dem anderen Luftballon gratuliert?
Weil er die Prüfung zum 'Platzen vor Stolz' bestanden hat!

Why did the balloon congratulate the other balloon?
Because it passed the exam for 'bursting with pride'!

📜 A Little Poem

Ob Prüfung, Festtag oder Sieg,
Ein Jubelruf, der aufwärts stieg.
Ein Wort voll Freude, hell und klar,
Die Gratulation ist für dich da!
Sie kommt von Herzen, ehrlich, rein,
So soll dein Glück stets bei dir sein!

Be it exam, feast day, or victory,
A cheer that rose up high.
A word full of joy, bright and clear,
The congratulation is here for you!
It comes from the heart, honest, pure,
May your happiness always endure!

❓ Riddle Time

Ich komme oft mit Händedruck,
Manchmal auf Papier, als Schmuck.
Bei Erfolg und Jubelfest,
Bin ich ein gern gesehener Gäst'.
Ich ende auf '-tion' und bin feminin,
Wer spricht mich aus mit frohem Sinn?

I often come with a handshake,
Sometimes on paper, for goodness sake.
For success and celebration bright,
I am a welcome guest and sight.
I end in '-tion' and am feminine ('die'),
Who speaks me out with joyful cry?

Solution: Die Gratulation

💡 More about Gratulation

Word Origin: The word 'Gratulation' comes from the Latin word 'gratulatio', which also means 'congratulation' or 'thanksgiving'. It is related to 'gratus', meaning 'grateful' or 'pleasing'.

Related Words:

• gratulieren (verb): to congratulate someone.
• Gratulant/Gratulantin (noun): person who congratulates (male/female).