Bedeutung
Offering congratulations.
Kultureller Hintergrund
When you congratulate someone on a new house or a big purchase, it's common to say 'Da se služiš u zdravlju' (May you use it in health). The 'Muštuluk' tradition: If you are the first person to bring good news to someone, you can shout 'Muštuluk!' and they are culturally obligated to give you a small gift or money. For a 'Slava' (family patron saint day), you don't usually say 'Čestitam' unless you are congratulating them on the preparation. The standard greeting is 'Srećna Slava, domaćine!'. In Serbian universities, after a student defends their thesis, the committee formally says 'Čestitamo, kolega' (Congratulations, colleague), marking their entry into the professional world.
Double it up
For extra warmth, say 'Čestitam, svaka čast!' It sounds more native and enthusiastic.
The Dative Trap
Remember it's 'Čestitam TI' (to you), not 'Čestitam TE.'
Bedeutung
Offering congratulations.
Double it up
For extra warmth, say 'Čestitam, svaka čast!' It sounds more native and enthusiastic.
The Dative Trap
Remember it's 'Čestitam TI' (to you), not 'Čestitam TE.'
The Three Kisses
If you say 'Čestitam' at a wedding or birthday, be prepared for the three-kiss greeting on the cheeks!
Social Media
On Instagram, Serbs often just comment 'Čestitke! 🥂' which is the plural noun form.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct preposition.
Čestitam ti ___ novom poslu!
The verb 'čestitati' always takes the preposition 'na' when specifying the reason.
Choose the most appropriate response to: 'Položio sam vozački ispit!' (I passed my driving test!)
Response:
'Čestitam' is used for achievements like passing a test. 'Srećno' is for luck before the test.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: Your boss finishes a big project.
Using 'Vam' and a formal structure is appropriate for a boss.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Dobili smo bebu! B: ________! Da je živa i zdrava!
'Čestitam' is the standard way to respond to the news of a new baby.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Čestitam vs Srećno
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenČestitam ti ___ novom poslu!
The verb 'čestitati' always takes the preposition 'na' when specifying the reason.
Response:
'Čestitam' is used for achievements like passing a test. 'Srećno' is for luck before the test.
Situation: Your boss finishes a big project.
Using 'Vam' and a formal structure is appropriate for a boss.
A: Dobili smo bebu! B: ________! Da je živa i zdrava!
'Čestitam' is the standard way to respond to the news of a new baby.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, for Christmas use 'Srećan Božić' or 'Mir Božiji, Hristos se rodi.'
It is neutral. You can use it with anyone, but change 'ti' to 'Vam' for formal situations.
'Čestitam' is standard congratulations; 'Svaka čast' is more like 'Kudos' or 'I'm impressed.'
No, it is almost never used. 'Čestitam' alone is perfect.
Say 'Čestitam! Da je živa i zdrava!' (if it's a girl) or 'živ i zdrav' (if it's a boy).
Yes, 'Čestitam na venčanju' is the standard phrase.
It means 'a greeting card' or 'the act of congratulating.'
Always 'Čestitam na' followed by the Locative case.
Only ironically or as a joke. It's for others.
Just say 'Čestitam!' with a smile. It's safe.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Svaka čast
similarKudos / Every honor
Bravo
synonymWell done
Srećno
contrastGood luck
Saučešće
contrastCondolences
Srećan rođendan
specialized formHappy birthday
Alal vera
similarWell done (Turkism)
