My Experience With "Happy Birthday In German Lyrics"
As someone who has lived in Germany for a few years, I have celebrated many birthdays with my German friends and colleagues. One thing that always stands out during these celebrations is the singing of “Happy Birthday” in German. The lyrics and tune are slightly different from the version I grew up with in the United States, but it always brings a smile to my face.
What Are the Lyrics to “Happy Birthday” in German?
The German version of “Happy Birthday” is called “Zum Geburtstag viel Glück.” The lyrics are:
“Zum Geburtstag viel Glück! Zum Geburtstag viel Glück! Zum Geburtstag, liebe/r [Name], Zum Geburtstag viel Glück!”
This translates to “Lots of luck on your birthday! Lots of luck on your birthday! Lots of luck on your birthday, dear [Name], Lots of luck on your birthday!”
Why Are the German Lyrics Different from the English Version?
The German lyrics and tune for “Happy Birthday” were created by two German sisters, Mildred Hill and Patty Smith Hill, in the late 19th century. The lyrics and melody were then translated into various languages, resulting in different versions across the world.
Step-by-Step Guide for Singing “Zum Geburtstag viel Glück”
- Gather the birthday person and any other party guests.
- Start singing “Zum Geburtstag viel Glück” in unison.
- When you reach the name of the birthday person, say their name instead of “Name” in the lyrics.
- Finish the song with a round of applause.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Celebrating Birthdays in Germany
- Bring a small gift for the birthday person.
- Make sure to arrive on time for the celebration.
- Bring a cake or dessert to share.
- Sing “Zum Geburtstag viel Glück” in German.
- Consider giving a toast to the birthday person.
- Play traditional German party games.
- Decorate the party space with balloons and streamers.
- Provide plenty of snacks and drinks for guests.
- Take lots of photos to remember the celebration.
- End the party with a group photo and a round of thanks.
Pros and Cons of Singing “Zum Geburtstag viel Glück”
Pros
- It adds a unique and cultural touch to birthday celebrations.
- It shows appreciation for German traditions and language.
- The melody is catchy and easy to sing along to.
Cons
- Some non-German speakers may find it difficult to learn the lyrics.
- It may not be appropriate for multicultural celebrations or events.
- It may not be well-known outside of Germany and German-speaking countries.
My Personal Review and Suggestion for “Zum Geburtstag viel Glück”
As someone who has celebrated many birthdays in Germany, I highly recommend singing “Zum Geburtstag viel Glück” as a fun and festive addition to any birthday celebration. While the lyrics may be unfamiliar to some, it is a great way to show appreciation for German culture and traditions. Plus, it always brings a smile to the birthday person’s face!
Question & Answer / FAQs
Do Germans celebrate birthdays differently than Americans?
Yes, there are some differences in how birthdays are celebrated in Germany compared to the United States. For example, Germans often bring their own cake or dessert to share at a birthday party, and it is common to give small gifts or tokens of appreciation to the birthday person. Additionally, Germans may sing traditional songs or play party games during the celebration.
Is it appropriate to sing “Zum Geburtstag viel Glück” at a multicultural event?
It depends on the context and the preferences of the event organizers and attendees. If the event is specifically focused on German culture or language, then singing “Zum Geburtstag viel Glück” may be appropriate. However, if the event is intended to be inclusive of many different cultures and languages, then it may be better to stick to more universal birthday songs or traditions.