Ways to Say It
German has a few common variations depending on formality and how much you want to say.
Alles Gute zum GeburtstagHappy birthday — the most common, all-purpose phrase
Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum GeburtstagWarmest congratulations on your birthday — more formal
Happy BirthdayAlso used casually in German, especially among younger speakers
Alles Liebe zum GeburtstagAll my love for your birthday — warmer, for close friends and family
Ich wünsche dir einen schönen GeburtstagI wish you a lovely birthday
Example Messages
Full example messages you can send as-is or adapt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say happy birthday casually in German?
Many German speakers, especially younger ones, simply say "Happy Birthday" in English casually — otherwise, "Alles Gute zum Geburtstag" works for nearly any informal situation.
What's the difference between "Alles Gute" and "Herzlichen Glückwunsch"?
"Alles Gute zum Geburtstag" is warmer and more common day-to-day; "Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag" is slightly more formal, often used in cards or from someone less close.
Is there a German birthday song like "Happy Birthday to You"?
Yes — "Zum Geburtstag viel Glück" is the traditional German birthday song, sung to a different melody than the English version.