Meaning
An expression used to wish someone success.
Cultural Background
Wishing someone 'Viel Glück' for their birthday is less common than 'Alles Gute'. However, a very traditional birthday song starts with 'Viel Glück und viel Segen'. In Austria, you might also hear 'Alles Gute' used interchangeably with 'Viel Glück' for exams. Just like 'Break a leg', German actors say 'Toi, toi, toi' and never 'Viel Glück' backstage, as it's considered bad luck to wish actual luck.
The 'V' Rule
Remember that 'V' in German is almost always pronounced like 'F'. Think 'Feel Glück'.
Thumb Pressing
If you say 'Viel Glück', try tucking your thumbs into your fists. It shows you really mean it!
Meaning
An expression used to wish someone success.
The 'V' Rule
Remember that 'V' in German is almost always pronounced like 'F'. Think 'Feel Glück'.
Thumb Pressing
If you say 'Viel Glück', try tucking your thumbs into your fists. It shows you really mean it!
Test Yourself
Complete the phrase.
____ Glück bei der Prüfung!
In German, we always use 'Viel' (much) with Glück.
When would you say 'Viel Glück'?
Your friend is about to start a marathon.
A marathon is a challenge where wishing luck/success is appropriate.
Which is the correct capitalization?
...
Nouns like 'Glück' must be capitalized.
Fill in the missing response.
A: Ich habe morgen ein Vorstellungsgespräch. B: Oh, ____ ____!
You wish luck before the interview happens.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use Viel Glück
Exams
- • Mathetest
- • Führerschein
Life Changes
- • Umzug
- • Neuer Job
Practice Bank
4 exercises____ Glück bei der Prüfung!
In German, we always use 'Viel' (much) with Glück.
Your friend is about to start a marathon.
A marathon is a challenge where wishing luck/success is appropriate.
...
Nouns like 'Glück' must be capitalized.
A: Ich habe morgen ein Vorstellungsgespräch. B: Oh, ____ ____!
You wish luck before the interview happens.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, but 'Herzlichen Glückwunsch' or 'Alles Gute für eure gemeinsame Zukunft' is more common.
Yes, it is perfectly polite for all levels of hierarchy.
'Glück' is for things involving chance (lottery, weather); 'Erfolg' is for things involving effort (exams, business).
Related Phrases
Viel Erfolg!
similarMuch success!
Toi, toi, toi!
synonymBreak a leg!
Ich drücke dir die Daumen!
builds onI'm pressing my thumbs for you!
