Meaning
To express hopes for someone's success or fortune.
Cultural Background
Germans are generally direct. Wishing luck is a standard, polite social convention. Austrians often use 'Viel Erfolg' more frequently in professional settings than Germans. Swiss German speakers often use 'Viel Glück' but might add 'en Guete' if it involves food/coffee. In Bavaria, you might hear 'Viel Glück' followed by a regional 'Servus' or 'Pfiat di'.
Dative Case
Always remember the Dative case for the person you are wishing luck to.
Professionalism
In a formal business meeting, 'Viel Erfolg' is safer than 'Viel Glück'.
Meaning
To express hopes for someone's success or fortune.
Dative Case
Always remember the Dative case for the person you are wishing luck to.
Professionalism
In a formal business meeting, 'Viel Erfolg' is safer than 'Viel Glück'.
The 'ü' sound
Practice the 'ü' sound; it's the key to sounding natural.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct Dative pronoun.
Ich wünsche ____ viel Glück bei der Prüfung.
The verb 'wünschen' requires the Dative case, and 'dir' is the Dative form of 'du'.
Choose the most appropriate preposition.
Viel Glück ____ deinem neuen Job!
'Für' is used for general endeavors or periods of time like a new job.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ich habe morgen ein wichtiges Meeting. B: ____!
All these phrases are appropriate for wishing someone well before a meeting.
Match the situation to the best phrase.
You want to sound professional before a colleague's presentation.
'Viel Erfolg' is more professional than 'Viel Glück'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch wünsche ____ viel Glück bei der Prüfung.
The verb 'wünschen' requires the Dative case, and 'dir' is the Dative form of 'du'.
Viel Glück ____ deinem neuen Job!
'Für' is used for general endeavors or periods of time like a new job.
A: Ich habe morgen ein wichtiges Meeting. B: ____!
All these phrases are appropriate for wishing someone well before a meeting.
You want to sound professional before a colleague's presentation.
'Viel Erfolg' is more professional than 'Viel Glück'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is polite and common.
Use 'bei' for events, 'für' for general goals.
It's a superstitious way to wish luck by wishing the opposite.
Yes, it's very common in texts.
Related Phrases
Viel Erfolg
similarMuch success
Alles Gute
similarAll the best
Hals- und Beinbruch
specialized formBreak a leg
Ich drücke die Daumen
similarI'm crossing my fingers
