Esta página en tu idioma
English فارسی العربية Deutsch Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A2 noun 11 min de lectura

Herzlich willkommen

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos Herzlich willkommen en 30 segundos
Explicación Herzlich willkommen in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners should recognize 'Herzlich willkommen' as a fixed phrase meaning 'Welcome.' You don't need to worry about the grammar of the individual words yet; just treat it as a single unit of politeness. It's one of the first things you'll hear when arriving in Germany or entering a classroom. At this stage, focusing on the correct pronunciation—clear 'h' and 'z' sounds—is most important. You should know that it is used to greet people, not to say 'you're welcome' after a 'thank you.' Learners should practice saying it with a smile. It is a very safe phrase to use because it works in both formal and informal situations without needing to change based on the person you are talking to. You will see it on signs at airports and hotels. Simple sentence patterns like 'Willkommen in...' followed by a city name are the building blocks for this level. The goal is simply recognition and basic production in greeting scenarios.
Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa
At the A2 level, you begin to expand how you use 'Herzlich willkommen' by adding specific locations and events. This requires learning which prepositions to use: 'in' for cities and countries, 'zu' for events, and 'bei' for people or companies. You should also start to notice the difference between the exclamation 'Herzlich willkommen!' and the noun phrase 'ein herzliches Willkommen.' At A2, you are expected to handle simple social interactions, such as welcoming a guest to your home or a new student to your class. You should be able to say things like 'Herzlich willkommen bei mir zu Hause' or 'Willkommen zur Party.' You also learn that 'herzlich' means 'heartfelt,' which helps you understand the emotional tone of the greeting. This level focuses on the functional use of the phrase in everyday life, ensuring you can navigate arrivals and introductions smoothly. You should also be aware of the common 'false friend' mistake where learners use this phrase instead of 'Bitte' as a response to 'Danke.'
By B1, you should be comfortable using 'Herzlich willkommen' in more complex sentence structures and varied social contexts. You will learn to use the verb 'heißen' in the structure 'jemanden willkommen heißen' (to bid someone welcome). For example: 'Wir möchten Sie herzlich in unserem Team willkommen heißen.' This requires an understanding of word order, specifically how 'willkommen' moves to the end of the sentence. You also start to use the phrase in professional contexts, such as starting a presentation or writing a formal email. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 'Willkommen' (the state) and 'Begrüßung' (the act). You might also explore regional variations, such as how 'Herzlich willkommen' might be paired with 'Grüß Gott' in Southern Germany or 'Moin' in the North. Your ability to adjust the warmth of the greeting—perhaps using 'Herzlichst willkommen' for extra emphasis—shows a maturing grasp of the language's nuances. B1 learners should also be careful with spelling and capitalization in writing, knowing that 'willkommen' is usually lowercase unless it's a noun.
Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa
At the B2 level, you use 'Herzlich willkommen' with greater stylistic variety and precision. You can incorporate it into longer, more formal speeches and understand the subtle differences between it and more formal alternatives like 'Seien Sie begrüßt' or 'Wir freuen uns, Sie begrüßen zu dürfen.' You are expected to use the noun form 'ein herzliches Willkommen' correctly with proper adjective endings and cases (e.g., 'Nach einem herzlichen Willkommen begannen wir mit der Arbeit'). B2 learners should also understand the cultural implications of the phrase—how it fits into German concepts of 'Gastfreundschaft' (hospitality) and 'Gemütlichkeit' (coziness). You might use it in a business negotiation to set a positive tone or in a community meeting to integrate new members. Your use of prepositions should be flawless, and you should be able to explain the phrase to others. This level also involves recognizing the phrase in literature and media, where it might be used ironically or with specific thematic weight.
Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa
At the C1 level, your use of 'Herzlich willkommen' is sophisticated and natural. You understand its historical roots and how it has evolved in modern German. You can use it in highly formal academic or diplomatic contexts, knowing exactly when a more traditional or a more modern greeting is required. You might analyze the use of the phrase in political speeches or marketing campaigns to see how it's used to build brand loyalty or a sense of national belonging. At this stage, you can play with the language, perhaps using 'willkommen' in more abstract ways, such as 'Das ist eine willkommene Abwechslung' (That is a welcome change), where 'willkommen' functions as a standard adjective. You have a deep understanding of the prosody (rhythm and intonation) of the phrase and can use it to convey different shades of meaning—from professional distance to deep, personal warmth. You are also aware of the 'Willkommenskultur' (welcome culture) debate in Germany, giving the phrase a political and social dimension that goes beyond a simple greeting.
Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa
At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'Herzlich willkommen' and all its variations. You can use the phrase and its related forms in complex literary writing, high-level business negotiations, and nuanced social interactions. You understand the etymological connection between 'Willkommen' and the concept of 'Willen' (will) and 'Kommen' (coming)—the idea that someone's arrival is in accordance with your will. You can navigate the most subtle regional and register differences across the entire German-speaking world. Whether you are delivering a keynote speech at a major conference or writing a formal letter to a high-ranking official, you know exactly how to structure your welcome to achieve the desired effect. You can also critique the use of the phrase in various media, identifying when it sounds authentic and when it sounds performative. At this level, the phrase is not just a tool for communication but a part of your broad linguistic repertoire that you use with effortless precision and cultural sensitivity.
Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa
Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

Herzlich willkommen en 30 segundos

  • A standard, warm greeting used to welcome people to a place, event, or group.
  • Combines 'heartfelt' (herzlich) with 'welcome' (willkommen) for maximum hospitality.
  • Used in both formal and informal contexts across all German-speaking countries.
  • Requires specific prepositions: 'in' for locations, 'zu' for events, and 'bei' for people.
The German expression Herzlich willkommen is the quintessential way to greet someone with warmth and hospitality. While the English equivalent is simply 'Welcome' or 'A warm welcome,' the German version carries a deeper emotional resonance due to the word herzlich, which literally translates to 'from the heart' or 'cordial.' In German-speaking cultures, hospitality is often viewed through a lens of structured warmth—it is not just about being polite, but about making a guest feel genuinely integrated into the current space. Whether you are entering a private home, a hotel, a restaurant, or even starting a formal presentation, this phrase serves as the linguistic bridge between being an outsider and becoming a guest.
Emotional Depth
The use of 'herzlich' elevates the greeting from a standard formality to an expression of genuine human connection, suggesting that the host is happy to see the visitor.
Grammatical Function
Although 'willkommen' looks like a verb, in this context, it functions as an adjective or part of a fixed adverbial greeting. It describes the state of the person being received.

Example: Herzlich willkommen in unserem neuen Zuhause!

This phrase is ubiquitous in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. You will see it on signs at national borders, on doormats, and hear it from flight attendants as you board a plane. Unlike the English 'You're welcome' (used after 'Thank you'), Herzlich willkommen is exclusively a greeting for arrival. Confusing these two is a common mistake for English speakers. In a professional setting, a CEO might start a speech with 'Herzlich willkommen, meine Damen und Herren,' establishing a tone of professional courtesy. In a domestic setting, a grandmother might say it while opening her arms for a hug, emphasizing the 'herzlich' part to show familial love.

Public usage: Ein herzliches Willkommen an alle Gäste.

When used as a noun, as in 'a warm welcome,' the word 'Willkommen' is capitalized and 'herzlich' takes an adjective ending (herzliches). This nuance is vital for A2 learners moving toward B1 proficiency. Furthermore, the phrase is often followed by prepositions like 'in' (for cities/countries), 'zu' (for events), or 'bei' (for companies or homes). Understanding which preposition to use is the key to mastering the phrase. For instance, 'Willkommen in Berlin' but 'Willkommen bei Siemens.' This distinction helps clarify the relationship between the host and the location. Historically, the phrase has roots in Germanic hospitality laws where welcoming a guest was a sacred duty. Today, while less formal, it retains that sense of 'you are safe and wanted here.'

Signage: Herzlich willkommen in München!

Social Context
It is appropriate for both 'Du' and 'Sie' contexts because the phrase itself does not contain a pronoun, making it a very safe and versatile tool for learners.
Using Herzlich willkommen correctly involves understanding the surrounding sentence structure, particularly prepositions and cases. Most commonly, the phrase stands alone as a greeting, but it frequently expands to include the place or event.
With 'In' (Accusative/Dative)
Use 'in' for cities, countries, and buildings. Example: 'Herzlich willkommen in Deutschland.' Note that even though it's a state of being, 'in' is often followed by the accusative or dative depending on the verb implied, but for the greeting, it's standard dative/accusative usage for location.
With 'Zu' (Dative)
Use 'zu' for events, parties, or specific occasions. Example: 'Herzlich willkommen zu unserer Hochzeit' (Welcome to our wedding).

Formal usage: Ich heiße Sie herzlich willkommen.

A common grammatical trap is the verb 'heißen' (to call/name). In the phrase 'jemanden willkommen heißen' (to bid someone welcome), 'willkommen' acts as a complement. You might say, 'Der Bürgermeister hieß die Gäste herzlich willkommen.' Here, 'herzlich' modifies the action of welcoming.

Informal usage: Herzlich willkommen bei mir zu Hause!

Another nuance is the use of 'bei' (with/at). If you are welcoming someone to your home or a company, 'bei' is the correct choice. 'Herzlich willkommen bei uns' means 'Welcome to our place/company.' This is a very common way for customer service representatives to answer the phone: 'Herzlich willkommen bei der Deutschen Bahn, wie kann ich Ihnen helfen?'
The Noun Form
When you want to say 'We gave them a warm welcome,' you use the noun 'Willkommen.' Example: 'Wir bereiteten ihnen ein herzliches Willkommen.'

Professional: Ein herzliches Willkommen an alle neuen Mitarbeiter.

In writing, especially on greeting cards or flyers, you might see 'Herzlich Willkommen' (both capitalized). While technically incorrect according to strict Duden grammar (where 'willkommen' should be lowercase unless it's a noun), it is so common in advertising and signage that it is widely accepted. However, for exams, keep 'willkommen' lowercase when used as an adjective.

Event: Herzlich willkommen zur Eröffnungsfeier!

Lastly, consider the intensity. You can say 'Herzlichst willkommen' (most heartily welcome) for an even warmer, albeit slightly more old-fashioned or very enthusiastic, greeting. This is often used by hosts who have a close relationship with their guests. Understanding these variations allows you to tailor your greeting to the specific social distance and context of the encounter.
You will encounter Herzlich willkommen in almost every facet of German life. From the moment you land at a German airport, you will see it on digital screens: 'Herzlich willkommen am Flughafen Frankfurt.' This sets a tone of hospitality for international travelers. In the hospitality industry, it is the standard greeting. Hotel receptionists are trained to say it as soon as a guest approaches the desk.
In the Media
Talk show hosts and news anchors almost always begin their programs with this phrase. 'Herzlich willkommen zu unserer Sendung' (Welcome to our show) is a standard opening line that builds a rapport with the audience.
In Retail
While smaller shops might use a simple 'Guten Tag,' larger department stores or boutiques often use 'Herzlich willkommen' to create a more inviting atmosphere.

Airport Announcement: Herzlich willkommen in Deutschland. Wir hoffen, Sie hatten einen angenehmen Flug.

On a more personal level, when you are invited to a German home, the host will likely say this as they open the door. It is often accompanied by the host taking your coat or offering you slippers (Hausschuhe), a common German tradition. In this context, the phrase is less about the words and more about the transition into the private sphere.

Private Home: Kommen Sie rein! Herzlich willkommen!

Schools and universities also use this phrase frequently. At the start of a new semester, professors will welcome students with 'Herzlich willkommen zum neuen Semester.' It serves as a formal marker of a new beginning. In the digital world, websites often have a 'Herzlich willkommen' message on their landing pages, though this is becoming slightly less common in favor of more modern, direct English-influenced greetings like 'Hallo' or 'Hi.'
Public Events
At concerts, festivals, or sports matches, the announcer will boom over the loudspeaker, 'Herzlich willkommen im Stadion!' This creates a sense of shared community among thousands of people.

Radio: Herzlich willkommen bei Radio Berlin, ich bin Ihr Moderator.

Understanding where you hear this helps you realize that it is not just a 'phrase' but a social signal of acceptance and readiness to interact. It is the verbal equivalent of a firm, friendly handshake.
Even though Herzlich willkommen seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble over several key points. The most frequent error is using it as a response to 'Thank you.' In English, we say 'You're welcome.' In German, the response to 'Danke' is 'Bitte' or 'Gern geschehen.' Using 'Herzlich willkommen' in this context is a 'false friend' error that can lead to confusion.
The 'Bitte' vs. 'Willkommen' Trap
Mistake: Person A: 'Danke!' Person B: 'Herzlich willkommen!' (Incorrect). Correct: Person B: 'Bitte sehr!' or 'Keine Ursache!'
Capitalization Errors
Mistake: 'Herzlich Willkommen' in a sentence. Correct: 'Herzlich willkommen' (lowercase 'w'). The only time 'Willkommen' is capitalized is when it is a noun (e.g., 'Ein herzliches Willkommen').

Correction: Herzlich willkommen (correct exclamation) vs. Ein herzliches Willkommen (correct noun usage).

Another common mistake involves prepositions. Many learners try to translate directly from English 'Welcome to...' and use 'nach' for cities. 'Willkommen nach Berlin' is incorrect. The correct preposition is 'in.' Similarly, using 'zu' for a person's house is a common slip. It should be 'bei.'

Wrong: Willkommen nach Deutschland. Right: Willkommen in Deutschland.

Adjective endings also cause trouble when the phrase is used as a noun. Because 'Willkommen' is a neuter noun (das Willkommen), the adjective 'herzlich' must take the '-es' ending in the nominative/accusative singular indefinite form: 'ein herzliches Willkommen.' Learners often forget this and say 'ein herzlich Willkommen.'
Word Order with 'Heißen'
Mistake: 'Ich willkommen heiße Sie.' Correct: 'Ich heiße Sie herzlich willkommen.' The verb 'heißen' is in the second position, and 'willkommen' goes to the very end of the clause.

Verb usage: Wir heißen Sie in unserem Team willkommen.

Finally, avoid over-formalizing in very casual settings. While 'Herzlich willkommen' is almost always appropriate, saying it every single time a roommate enters the kitchen might sound sarcastic. In very close, daily interactions, a simple 'Hey' or 'Moin' is more natural.
While Herzlich willkommen is the standard, German offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific region.
Willkommen
The shorter version. It's slightly less warm but very common on signs or in quick greetings. Use it when you want to be direct.
Seien Sie begrüßt
A very formal, almost poetic way to say 'Be greeted.' You might hear this in a formal speech or read it in a classic novel. It is much more formal than 'Herzlich willkommen.'

Informal Alternative: Schön, dass du da bist! (Great that you are here!)

In informal settings, Germans often skip the word 'welcome' entirely and express the sentiment through 'Schön, dass du da bist!' (It's nice that you're here!) or 'Schön, dich zu sehen!' (Nice to see you!). These phrases feel more personal and less like a scripted greeting.

Business: Wir freuen uns, Sie begrüßen zu dürfen.

In professional emails or formal invitations, you might see 'Wir freuen uns, Sie begrüßen zu dürfen' (We are pleased to be able to greet/welcome you). This is the gold standard for corporate hospitality. If you are welcoming someone back after a long time, you can say 'Willkommen zurück!' (Welcome back!).
Comparison: Willkommen vs. Begrüßung
'Willkommen' is the state of being welcome; 'Begrüßung' is the act of greeting. You 'give' a greeting (eine Begrüßung), but you 'are' welcome (willkommen sein).

Returning: Willkommen zurück aus dem Urlaub!

Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right 'flavor' of welcome. While 'Herzlich willkommen' is the safe, high-quality choice, knowing when to use 'Schön, dass du da bist' will make your German sound much more authentic and warm.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The English word 'welcome' and German 'willkommen' share the exact same roots, but German adds 'herzlich' to emphasize the emotional connection of the heart.

Guía de pronunciación

UK ˈhɛʁtslɪç vɪlˈkɔmən
US ˈhɛrtslɪk vɪlˈkɔmən
Primary stress on the first syllable of 'herzlich' (HERZ-lich) and the second word (will-KOM-men).
Rima con
schmerzlich (painful) merklich (noticeable) entkommen (escape) genommen (taken) verkommen (decayed) bekommen (received) glommen (glowed) verschwommen (blurry)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'ch' in 'herzlich' like 'k' or 'sh'.
  • Making the 'i' in 'willkommen' too long like 'ee'.
  • Forgetting to pronounce the 't' in 'herzlich'.
  • Stress on the last syllable of 'willkommen'.
  • Mumbling the 'h' at the start.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

Very easy to recognize on signs and in text.

Escritura 2/5

Requires attention to capitalization and prepositions.

Expresión oral 2/5

The 'ch' sound in 'herzlich' can be tricky for beginners.

Escucha 1/5

Very distinctive and easy to hear in announcements.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

Herz kommen in zu bei

Aprende después

begrüßen die Gastfreundschaft Gern geschehen Bitte

Avanzado

Willkommenskultur zuteilwerden geziemen entbieten

Gramática que debes saber

Prepositions with Locations

In Berlin (City), Zu der Party (Event), Bei Siemens (Company).

Adjective Endings

Ein herzlichES Willkommen (neuter nominative).

Verb Position

Ich heiße (V2) Sie willkommen (End).

Capitalization of Nouns

Das Willkommen (Noun) vs. willkommen (Adjective).

Compound Nouns

Willkommens + Gruß = Willkommensgruß.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

1

Herzlich willkommen!

Welcome!

Fixed phrase used as a greeting.

2

Herzlich willkommen in Berlin!

Welcome to Berlin!

Use 'in' for cities.

3

Willkommen in Deutschland.

Welcome to Germany.

Short version of the greeting.

4

Herzlich willkommen zu Hause.

Welcome home.

'Zu Hause' is a fixed expression for 'at home'.

5

Hallo, herzlich willkommen!

Hello, welcome!

Combining a greeting with the welcome phrase.

6

Herzlich willkommen im Hotel.

Welcome to the hotel.

'Im' is a contraction of 'in dem'.

7

Willkommen in der Schule.

Welcome to the school.

'In der' is used for feminine nouns like 'Schule'.

8

Herzlich willkommen, Maria!

Welcome, Maria!

Adding a name after the greeting.

1

Herzlich willkommen zu meiner Party!

Welcome to my party!

Use 'zu' for events.

2

Herzlich willkommen bei uns.

Welcome to our place.

Use 'bei' for people/homes.

3

Ein herzliches Willkommen an alle Gäste.

A warm welcome to all guests.

Noun usage: 'Willkommen' is capitalized.

4

Herzlich willkommen in unserem neuen Kurs.

Welcome to our new course.

Using possessive adjectives like 'unserem'.

5

Willkommen zurück aus dem Urlaub!

Welcome back from vacation!

'Zurück' means 'back'.

6

Herzlich willkommen beim Oktoberfest!

Welcome to Oktoberfest!

'Beim' is a contraction of 'bei dem'.

7

Ich heiße dich herzlich willkommen.

I welcome you heartily.

Using the verb 'heißen' with 'dich' (informal).

8

Herzlich willkommen zur Konferenz.

Welcome to the conference.

'Zur' is a contraction of 'zu der'.

1

Wir möchten Sie herzlich in unserem Team willkommen heißen.

We would like to welcome you heartily to our team.

Formal verb structure: 'willkommen heißen' at the end.

2

Ein herzliches Willkommen an alle neuen Mitarbeiter.

A warm welcome to all new employees.

Noun phrase with adjective ending '-es'.

3

Herzlich willkommen zu unserem heutigen Webinar.

Welcome to our webinar today.

Professional context for digital events.

4

Er hieß die Gäste mit einem Lächeln herzlich willkommen.

He welcomed the guests heartily with a smile.

Past tense 'hieß' (from 'heißen').

5

Herzlich willkommen im Namen der Geschäftsleitung.

Welcome on behalf of the management.

Formal expression 'im Namen der'.

6

Wir bereiteten dem neuen Nachbarn ein herzliches Willkommen.

We gave the new neighbor a warm welcome.

Dative object 'dem neuen Nachbarn'.

7

Herzlich willkommen zur feierlichen Eröffnung.

Welcome to the grand opening.

Formal event greeting.

8

Willkommen in der Welt der Wissenschaft!

Welcome to the world of science!

Metaphorical use of 'Welt'.

1

Es ist mir eine große Freude, Sie hier herzlich willkommen zu heißen.

It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you here heartily.

Infinitive construction with 'zu heißen'.

2

Trotz des Regens war das Willkommen der Gastgeber sehr herzlich.

Despite the rain, the welcome from the hosts was very warm.

Genitive case 'der Gastgeber'.

3

Ein herzliches Willkommen erwartet Sie in unserem Wellness-Bereich.

A warm welcome awaits you in our wellness area.

Noun as the subject of the sentence.

4

Herzlich willkommen zu dieser Diskussionsrunde über Nachhaltigkeit.

Welcome to this discussion round on sustainability.

Specific academic/professional topic.

5

Wir heißen alle Teilnehmer herzlich willkommen und wünschen viel Erfolg.

We welcome all participants heartily and wish them much success.

Compound sentence with two actions.

6

Ein solch herzliches Willkommen hatten wir nicht erwartet.

We had not expected such a warm welcome.

Using 'solch' for emphasis.

7

Herzlich willkommen bei der diesjährigen Preisverleihung.

Welcome to this year's award ceremony.

Use of 'diesjährig' (this year's).

8

Sie wurden am Bahnhof herzlich willkommen geheißen.

They were welcomed heartily at the train station.

Passive voice 'wurden... willkommen geheißen'.

1

Lassen Sie mich Sie im Namen des gesamten Vorstands herzlich willkommen heißen.

Let me welcome you heartily on behalf of the entire board.

Highly formal introductory phrase.

2

Das herzliche Willkommen, das uns zuteilwurde, war überwältigend.

The warm welcome that was bestowed upon us was overwhelming.

Relative clause and advanced vocabulary 'zuteilwerden'.

3

Herzlich willkommen zu einer Reise durch die Geschichte unserer Stadt.

Welcome to a journey through the history of our city.

Metaphorical use for a presentation or tour.

4

In seiner Rede betonte er die Bedeutung einer gelebten Willkommenskultur.

In his speech, he emphasized the importance of a lived welcome culture.

Abstract noun 'Willkommenskultur'.

5

Wir heißen Sie herzlich willkommen und hoffen auf eine fruchtbare Zusammenarbeit.

We welcome you heartily and hope for a fruitful collaboration.

Formal business idiom 'fruchtbare Zusammenarbeit'.

6

Ein herzliches Willkommen ist oft der erste Schritt zur Integration.

A warm welcome is often the first step toward integration.

Sociopolitical context.

7

Herzlich willkommen im Kreis der Familie!

Welcome to the family circle!

Idiomatic 'im Kreis der'.

8

Jeder neue Gedanke ist in dieser Runde herzlich willkommen.

Every new thought is heartily welcome in this circle.

Using 'willkommen' to describe an abstract concept (thought).

1

Es geziemt sich, den Ehrengast mit einem besonders herzlichen Willkommen zu empfangen.

It is fitting to receive the guest of honor with an especially warm welcome.

Archaic/formal verb 'geziemen'.

2

Die Herzlichkeit des Willkommens spiegelte die tiefe Verbundenheit der beiden Städte wider.

The warmth of the welcome reflected the deep bond between the two cities.

Genitive construction and 'widerspiegeln'.

3

Herzlich willkommen in der Ära des digitalen Wandels.

Welcome to the era of digital change.

Philosophical/Conceptual use.

4

Das Willkommen war zwar formell korrekt, ließ aber jegliche echte Herzlichkeit vermissen.

The welcome was formally correct but lacked any real warmth.

Nuanced critique of social interaction.

5

Wir heißen Sie herzlich willkommen und laden Sie ein, Teil unserer Vision zu werden.

We welcome you heartily and invite you to become part of our vision.

Rhetorical style.

6

Ein herzliches Willkommen ist das Fundament jeder gelungenen Gastgeberschaft.

A warm welcome is the foundation of every successful hospitality.

Abstract philosophical statement.

7

Herzlich willkommen zu einer tiefschürfenden Analyse der gegenwärtigen Lage.

Welcome to an in-depth analysis of the current situation.

High-level academic introduction.

8

Das Willkommen der Menge brandete dem Ankömmling wie eine Welle entgegen.

The welcome of the crowd surged toward the newcomer like a wave.

Literary metaphor 'brandete... entgegen'.

Sinónimos

Willkommen Seien Sie begrüßt Schön, dass du da bist Grüß Gott Moin Begrüßung Empfang Willkommen zurück

Antónimos

Auf Wiedersehen Tschüss Hausverbot Abweisung

Colocaciones comunes

jemanden herzlich willkommen heißen
ein herzliches Willkommen
herzlich willkommen in
herzlich willkommen zu
herzlich willkommen bei
willkommen fühlen
herzlich willkommen zurück
jemanden willkommen nennen
Willkommenskultur
Willkommensgruß

Frases Comunes

Herzlich willkommen an Bord

— Used on planes or ships to welcome passengers.

Herzlich willkommen an Bord von Flug LH400.

Herzlich willkommen im Team

— Used to greet a new colleague.

Schön, dass du da bist! Herzlich willkommen im Team.

Herzlich willkommen in der Familie

— Used for new family members (marriage, birth).

Wir freuen uns so sehr! Herzlich willkommen in der Familie.

Herzlich willkommen zur Sendung

— Standard TV/Radio opening.

Herzlich willkommen zur Sendung 'Tagesschau'.

Herzlich willkommen bei der Arbeit

— Welcoming someone to their workplace.

Dein erster Tag? Herzlich willkommen bei der Arbeit!

Herzlich willkommen in unserer Mitte

— Welcoming someone into a group or community.

Wir freuen uns, Sie in unserer Mitte herzlich willkommen zu heißen.

Willkommen im Club

— Often used ironically for someone joining a shared experience (usually a bad one).

Dein Auto ist auch kaputt? Willkommen im Club!

Ein herzliches Willkommen bereiten

— To organize a warm reception.

Die Stadt bereitete den Sportlern ein herzliches Willkommen.

Herzlich willkommen zur Eröffnung

— Used at the start of an event or shop opening.

Herzlich willkommen zur Eröffnung unserer neuen Filiale.

Willkommen im Leben

— Often said to a newborn baby.

Kleiner Schatz, herzlich willkommen im Leben!

Se confunde a menudo con

Herzlich willkommen vs Bitte

English speakers use 'Welcome' for both greetings and responses to 'Thank you'. In German, only use 'Herzlich willkommen' for greetings.

Herzlich willkommen vs Gern geschehen

This is the correct response to 'Danke', not 'Willkommen'.

Herzlich willkommen vs Begrüßung

This is the 'act' of greeting, while 'Willkommen' is the state or the greeting itself.

Modismos y expresiones

"Jemandem ein herzliches Willkommen bereiten"

— To make someone feel very accepted and happy upon arrival.

Die ganze Nachbarschaft bereitete ihm ein herzliches Willkommen.

Neutral
"Willkommen im Club"

— Used when someone experiences the same (often negative) thing as others.

Du hast auch deinen Schlüssel vergessen? Willkommen im Club!

Informal/Ironic
"Etwas ist jemandem willkommen"

— Something is convenient or useful at a particular time.

Diese Pause ist mir sehr willkommen.

Neutral
"Ein willkommener Anlass"

— A good opportunity or reason to do something.

Das Jubiläum war ein willkommener Anlass für ein Fest.

Neutral
"Willkommen sein"

— To be a desired or accepted person or thing.

Neue Ideen sind hier immer willkommen.

Neutral
"Jemanden willkommen heißen"

— The formal act of welcoming.

Der Direktor hieß die neuen Studenten willkommen.

Formal
"Ein herzliches Willkommen entbieten"

— A very formal way to offer a welcome.

Ich entbiete Ihnen ein herzliches Willkommen.

Very Formal/Literary
"Willkommenskultur leben"

— To actively practice hospitality toward strangers or refugees.

In unserer Gemeinde wird die Willkommenskultur wirklich gelebt.

Political/Social
"Willkommen im 21. Jahrhundert"

— Sarcastic remark about modern technology or social changes.

Du hast kein Smartphone? Willkommen im 21. Jahrhundert!

Informal/Sarcastic
"Ein willkommenes Fressen"

— Something that someone can exploit or use for their own benefit (often negative).

Der Skandal war ein willkommenes Fressen für die Presse.

Informal/Journalistic

Fácil de confundir

Herzlich willkommen vs willkommen

Used as an adjective vs. noun.

Lowercase as an adjective/greeting; uppercase as a noun (Das Willkommen).

Du bist willkommen. / Ein herzliches Willkommen.

Herzlich willkommen vs herzlich

Often confused with 'herzhaft'.

'Herzlich' is cordial/warm; 'herzhaft' is hearty (like food) or strong.

Ein herzliches Lächeln vs. ein herzhaftes Frühstück.

Herzlich willkommen vs in vs. nach

Learners want to use 'nach' for 'to'.

'Willkommen in' is the standard for locations.

Willkommen in Berlin (Not: nach Berlin).

Herzlich willkommen vs zu vs. bei

Both can mean 'at' or 'to'.

'Zu' is for events; 'Bei' is for people or businesses.

Willkommen zur Party vs. Willkommen bei uns.

Herzlich willkommen vs heißen

Means 'to be called' or 'to bid'.

In this context, it means 'to bid' (willkommen heißen).

Ich heiße Max. vs. Ich heiße dich willkommen.

Patrones de oraciones

A1

Herzlich willkommen in [Stadt]!

Herzlich willkommen in Hamburg!

A2

Herzlich willkommen zu [Event]!

Herzlich willkommen zu meinem Geburtstag!

A2

Herzlich willkommen bei [Person/Firma]!

Herzlich willkommen bei uns!

B1

Ich heiße Sie herzlich willkommen.

Ich heiße Sie in unserer Firma herzlich willkommen.

B1

Ein herzliches Willkommen an [Gruppe]!

Ein herzliches Willkommen an alle Teilnehmer!

B2

Wir freuen uns, Sie willkommen zu heißen.

Wir freuen uns, Sie heute Abend willkommen zu heißen.

C1

Das Willkommen war [Adjektiv].

Das Willkommen war überwältigend.

C2

[Nomen] ist herzlich willkommen.

Kritik ist in diesem Forum herzlich willkommen.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Das Willkommen (the welcome)
Die Willkommenskultur (welcome culture)
Der Willkommensgruß (welcome greeting)

Verbos

willkommen heißen (to welcome)
begrüßen (to greet)

Adjetivos

willkommen (welcome)
herzlich (heartfelt/cordial)

Relacionado

Das Herz (heart)
kommen (to come)
Die Ankunft (arrival)
Der Gast (guest)
Die Gastfreundschaft (hospitality)
Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high in daily life and service industries.

Errores comunes
  • Using it as 'You're welcome'. → Bitte / Gern geschehen.

    This is a translation error from English. Use 'Bitte' after 'Danke'.

  • Willkommen nach Berlin. → Willkommen in Berlin.

    The preposition 'nach' is for movement toward, but 'in' is used for welcoming to a location.

  • Herzlich Willkommen (in a sentence). → Herzlich willkommen.

    Unless it is a noun, 'willkommen' should be lowercase.

  • Ein herzlich Willkommen. → Ein herzliches Willkommen.

    The adjective 'herzlich' needs the neuter ending '-es' to match the noun 'Willkommen'.

  • Ich willkommen heiße Sie. → Ich heiße Sie willkommen.

    The verb 'heißen' must be in the second position, and 'willkommen' goes to the end.

Consejos

Regional Flair

In Bavaria, add a 'Grüß Gott' before 'Herzlich willkommen' to sound like a local.

Noun vs. Adjective

If you see 'Ein...', the next word is 'herzliches' and 'Willkommen' must be capitalized.

Eye Contact

Germans value eye contact. Say the phrase while looking the person in the eye for sincerity.

Airport Signs

Look for this phrase as soon as you exit the plane in Germany; it's everywhere!

Professionalism

Use 'Ich heiße Sie herzlich willkommen' to start a presentation; it sounds very professional.

Email Greetings

In a formal email to a new contact, 'Ein herzliches Willkommen' is a great way to start.

The Heart Link

Link 'Herzlich' to 'Heart'. A welcome from the heart is the best kind.

The Soft CH

Practice the 'ch' in 'herzlich' by whispering 'he' and then making a soft hiss.

No 'Nach'!

Never say 'Willkommen nach...'. It's always 'Willkommen in...'.

Home Greeting

When welcoming someone to your home, 'Herzlich willkommen bei mir' is the perfect phrase.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Heart' (Herz) and someone 'Coming' (kommen). When they come with a heart, they are 'Herzlich willkommen'.

Asociación visual

Imagine a giant red heart on a welcome mat at the front door of a cozy German house.

Word Web

Gast Haus Freude Ankunft Lächeln Tür Berlin Team

Desafío

Try to say 'Herzlich willkommen' to three different people today, even if it's just practicing in the mirror with different emotions.

Origen de la palabra

The phrase is a combination of 'herzlich' and 'willkommen'. 'Herzlich' comes from the Old High German 'herzilīh', derived from 'herza' (heart). 'Willkommen' comes from 'willio' (will/desire) and 'queman' (to come).

Significado original: Literally, 'one whose coming is in accordance with one's will' and 'from the heart.'

Germanic (West Germanic branch).

Contexto cultural

Generally a very safe and positive phrase. In political contexts, 'Willkommenskultur' can be a debated term, but the greeting itself remains polite.

Unlike the English 'You're welcome', this is ONLY a greeting. English speakers must avoid using it as a response to 'Thank you'.

The song 'Herzlich willkommen' by various German folk artists. The movie title 'Willkommen bei den Sch'tis' (German dub of a French film). Public signs at the Brandenburg Gate during major celebrations.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At Home

  • Komm rein!
  • Leg deine Jacke ab.
  • Schön, dass du da bist.
  • Möchtest du etwas trinken?

At the Office

  • Das ist dein Schreibtisch.
  • Ich stelle dich dem Team vor.
  • Hier ist die Kaffeemaschine.
  • Wir freuen uns auf die Zusammenarbeit.

At a Restaurant

  • Haben Sie reserviert?
  • Folgen Sie mir bitte.
  • Hier ist die Speisekarte.
  • Lassen Sie es sich schmecken.

At the Airport

  • Ihren Reisepass bitte.
  • Haben Sie etwas zu verzollen?
  • Guten Flug!
  • Willkommen in Deutschland.

At a Party

  • Bedien dich!
  • Die Getränke stehen dort.
  • Kennst du schon...?
  • Viel Spaß!

Inicios de conversación

"Herzlich willkommen! Hattest du eine gute Anreise?"

"Herzlich willkommen in Berlin! Bist du zum ersten Mal hier?"

"Herzlich willkommen zu meiner Party! Was möchtest du trinken?"

"Herzlich willkommen im Team! Hast du schon deinen Computer?"

"Herzlich willkommen bei uns! Möchtest du eine Hausführung?"

Temas para diario

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du dich sehr herzlich willkommen gefühlt hast.

Wie heißt du Gäste in deinem eigenen Zuhause herzlich willkommen?

Warum ist ein herzliches Willkommen in einem Hotel so wichtig?

Was bedeutet 'Willkommenskultur' für dich persönlich?

Schreibe einen kurzen Text: 'Herzlich willkommen in meiner Heimatstadt'.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, it is perfectly fine and very common for friends, though 'Schön, dass du da bist' is slightly more personal.

Grammatically, yes, unless it's a noun. However, you will see it capitalized on 90% of signs in Germany. For exams, use lowercase 'willkommen'.

Usually 'Danke' or 'Vielen Dank' or 'Ich freue mich, hier zu sein'.

No! Use 'Bitte' or 'Gern geschehen'. This is a very common mistake for English speakers.

Use 'in'. For example: 'Herzlich willkommen in der Schweiz'.

Say 'Willkommen zurück!' or 'Herzlich willkommen zurück!'

It is neutral and safe for both. The context is determined by the rest of the sentence (Du/Sie).

It comes from 'Herz' (heart) and means 'heartfelt' or 'cordial'.

No, it is only for arrivals. For endings, use 'Herzliche Grüße'.

As a greeting, no. As a noun, 'die Willkommen' is technically possible but almost never used.

Regístrate gratis para ver consejos y notas

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

Write a sentence welcoming a new student to your German class.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a greeting for a guest arriving at your house.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use the verb 'heißen' to welcome someone to a team.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a short note for a welcome sign in Berlin.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

How would you welcome someone back from a long trip?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a formal opening line for a presentation.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Create a sentence using the noun form 'ein herzliches Willkommen'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Welcome a new neighbor using 'bei'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a welcome message for a wedding card.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use 'Herzlich willkommen' in a business email context.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Welcome a passenger on a plane.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence welcoming someone to a new era (C2 level).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Welcome a friend to your new apartment.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence for a hotel doormat.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use 'willkommen' as an adjective for an idea.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Welcome someone to a festival.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Formal: Welcome the board of directors.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Welcome a newborn baby.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence with 'Willkommen im Club'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Welcome someone to a city they just moved to.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Herzlich willkommen' with a friendly tone.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Introduce yourself and welcome someone to Berlin.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Welcome to my party' in German.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Welcome home' to a family member.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Formally welcome someone to a company called 'TechCorp'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Practice the soft 'ch' in 'herzlich'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Welcome back' with enthusiasm.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Welcome someone to a conference formally.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Welcome to the team' to a new colleague.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Use 'heißen' in a sentence: 'I welcome you'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Welcome a guest to a restaurant.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'A warm welcome to all' in a speech.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Welcome someone to a new city.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Welcome to the club' sarcastically.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Welcome a child to a school.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Welcome aboard' to a passenger.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Practice saying 'Herzlichst willkommen' for a very warm greeting.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Welcome a neighbor to your street.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Welcome to the world of science'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'You are heartily welcome' as a state of being.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the missing word: 'Herzlich _____ in Berlin!'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the preposition: 'Herzlich willkommen ___ meiner Party!'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the preposition: 'Herzlich willkommen ___ uns zu Hause!'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the adjective: 'Ein _____ Willkommen.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen for the verb: 'Ich _____ Sie herzlich willkommen.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Identify the context: 'Herzlich willkommen an Bord von Flug LH456.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Identify the context: 'Herzlich willkommen zu unserer Sendung.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Is the speaker formal or informal? 'Herzlich willkommen in meinem Haus!'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen for the city: 'Herzlich willkommen in München!'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen for the event: 'Herzlich willkommen zur Hochzeit!'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Identify the word: 'Willkommen _____!'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen for 'Willkommenskultur' in a news clip.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Identify the preposition: 'Willkommen ___ Team!'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write the phrase: 'Herzlich willkommen!'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Identify the tone: Is 'Willkommen im Club' happy or ironic in this audio?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

Regístrate gratis para practicar

Contenido relacionado

¿Te ha servido?

Comentarios (0)

Inicia Sesión para Comentar
¡No hay comentarios todavía. Sé el primero en compartir tus ideas!