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How to Say ‘No, don't congratulate early!’ in German

Nein, nicht vorher gratulieren!

nine nicht FOR-hair grah-too-LEE-ren

[nine nicht FOR-hair grah-too-LEE-ren]

🇩🇪 In Germany: Many Germans genuinely believe wishing happy birthday before the day brings bad luck, so wait until the day itself. At a party the night before, people count down to midnight and congratulate then, which is called reinfeiern "celebrating into" the birthday.

Phrase Breakdown

Nein, nicht vorher

nine nicht FOR-hair

No, not beforehand

'Nein' rhymes with English 'nine'. The 'ch' in 'nicht' is soft, made at the front of the mouth. 'vorher' starts with an 'f' sound: 'FOR-hair'.

Example

Nein, nicht vorher, erst danach!

No, not beforehand, only afterwards!

Words in this phrase

Nein

[nine]

"Nein" means "no" and can correct a misunderstanding politely or firmly.

Example

Nein, der Treffpunkt ist nicht vorne.

No, the meeting point is not in front.

nicht

[nicht]

not

Used to negate a sentence.

Example

Dieses Angebot gibt's nicht mehr.

This offer no longer exists.

vorher

[FOR-hair]

beforehand

Means in advance, before the scheduled time.

Example

24 Stunden vorher müssen Sie absagen.

You must cancel 24 hours beforehand.

gratulieren!

grah-too-LEE-ren

congratulate!

This verb means 'to congratulate'. It has four syllables, gra-tu-LIE-ren, with the stress on 'LIE' (pronounced 'lee').

Example

Wir gratulieren dir zum Geburtstag!

We congratulate you on your birthday!

Words in this phrase

gratulieren

[grah-too-LEE-ren]

to congratulate

Verb meaning to wish someone well on a special occasion, like a birthday.

Example

Ich möchte dir zum Geburtstag gratulieren.

I'd like to wish you a happy birthday.

Guides for German learners

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