How to say congratulations in German.
The phrases German speakers actually use — not a dictionary line — with what each means and who it is for, plus full messages by a native speaker you can send as a card in German in a minute.
“Herzlichen Glückwunsch!” means “Heartfelt congratulations!” and is what German speakers say. “Gratuliere!” (“Congrats!”) is the warmer version. Universal.
The German phrases, and when each one fits
German keeps a real distance between 'du' (family, friends, most colleagues you know) and 'Sie' (clients, senior people, anyone who addresses you as Sie). On a card, match whatever they use with you.
- Herzlichen Glückwunsch! — “Heartfelt congratulations!”. Universal.
- Gratuliere! — “Congrats!”. Short, informal — a text, a group card.
- Gut gemacht! — “Well done!”. For an achievement.
- Das hast du dir verdient! — “You've earned that!”. A promotion, a result, a finish line.
- Herzlichen Glückwunsch zur Geburt! — “Congratulations on the birth!”. A new baby.
- Ich bin so stolz auf dich! — “I'm so proud of you!”. Family.
Congratulations messages in German, written for the person
Full messages by a native speaker — pick the person and send one as a card, in their language.
Three German messages to start from
Bruderherz, herzlichen Glückwunsch! Ich geb's ja ungern zu, aber: richtig stark gemacht.
Herzlichen Glückwunsch! Wir alle wissen, wie viel Arbeit dahintersteckt — schön, dass es jetzt auch alle sehen.
Mein Mädchen, herzlichen Glückwunsch! Du hast Dir das ganz allein erarbeitet — und wir dürfen stolz danebenstehen.
Questions people ask
Can I mix English and German in one card?
Yes — and natives find it charming. Open with the German phrase, write your real message in English, and sign off in German (Alles Liebe, or Liebe Grüße,). The effort is the point.
How do I sign off a German card?
Alles Liebe, · Liebe Grüße, · Herzliche Grüße, · Dein / Deine … · Mit den besten Wünschen, — from warmest to most neutral. Family and close friends get the first two; colleagues the last.
Will the card itself be in German?
Yes. Our Deutsch builder is a full translation, with example messages written by native speakers, and your recipient opens the card in German.
Congratulations wishes in other languages
Send it in German — free.
A real card, in their language, in about a minute. No account, no watermark.