How to Say ‘Happy New Year!’ in German
Einen guten Rutsch!
EYE-nen GOO-ten rootch
[EYE-nen GOO-ten rootch]
💬 Usage Tip: Rutsch literally means "slide", so this wishes someone a smooth slide into the new year.
🇩🇪 In Germany: People say this in the days before New Year's Eve, often as their parting words after Christmas.
Phrase Breakdown
Einen
[EYE-nen]
a
Indefinite article before a masculine accusative noun.
Ich plane einen kurzen Austausch nächste Woche.
I am planning a short exchange next week.
guten
[GOO-ten]
good
Form of 'gut' used before masculine nouns in greetings (accusative).
Guten Abend, Herr Müller!
Good evening, Mr. Müller!
Rutsch
[rootch]
slide (into the New Year)
Literally 'slide'; used in the idiom wishing a happy New Year.
Guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr!
Happy New Year!
Guides for German learners
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Berlin bureaucracy requires real German. This app got me from zero to handling my Anmeldung appointment in three weeks. My coworkers couldn’t believe it.”
Emma L., 27, UX Researcher
“Relocated to Munich with my family. The everyday scenarios — grocery shopping, doctor visits, school meetings — are exactly what we needed to settle in.”
Marcus J., 40, Engineer
“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”
Alex M., 42, Software Engineer