The Traditional Classic: “Zum Geburtstag viel Glück”
When it comes to celebrating a birthday in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, the most common melody you will hear is instantly recognizable to English speakers worldwide. Set to the exact same tune as “Happy Birthday to You,” the standard German version is short, sweet, and incredibly easy to learn. The core lyrics repeat a simple phrase that wishes the celebrant the best of luck on their special day. The standard four-line lyric is as follows: Zum Geburtstag viel Glück, Zum Geburtstag viel Glück, Zum Geburtstag, liebe(r) [Name], Zum Geburtstag viel Glück!
Grammar enthusiasts will note a small but important detail in the third line. If you are singing to a male, you use “lieber” (
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