🎉🎂

How to Say ‘We're celebrating a birthday, you see.’ in German

Wir feiern nämlich einen Geburtstag.

veer FYE-ern NAYM-likh EYE-nen geh-BOORTS-tahk

[veer FYE-ern NAYM-likh EYE-nen geh-BOORTS-tahk]

💬 Usage Tip: nämlich adds a reason, like "you see", and it sits after the verb rather than at the start. Try Ich bin nämlich Vegetarier "I'm vegetarian, you see".

Phrase Breakdown

Wir feiern nämlich

veer FYE-ern NAYM-likh

we're celebrating, you see

'Nämlich' gives a reason, like 'you see' or 'because'. It never starts a sentence. 'Feiern' sounds like 'FY-ern'.

Example

Ich bin nämlich krank.

I'm sick, you see.

Words in this phrase

Wir

[veer]

Pronoun for a group including the speaker.

Example

Wir arbeiten gern zusammen.

We like working together.

feiern

[FYE-ern]

celebrate

From "feiern," meaning to celebrate, cheer, or enjoy a special moment.

Example

Wir feiern zusammen im Stadion.

We celebrate together in the stadium.

nämlich

[NAYM-likh]

you see / because

Gives a reason or explanation for what was just said.

Example

Ich komme nicht, ich bin nämlich krank.

I'm not coming, I'm sick, you see.

einen Geburtstag.

EYE-nen geh-BOORTS-tahk

a birthday

'Geburtstag' is masculine, so it takes 'einen' in the accusative. Stress the second syllable: ge-BURTS-tag.

Example

Morgen habe ich Geburtstag.

Tomorrow is my birthday.

Words in this phrase

einen

[EYE-nen]

Indefinite article before a masculine accusative noun.

Example

Ich plane einen kurzen Austausch nächste Woche.

I am planning a short exchange next week.

Geburtstag

[geh-BOORTS-tahk]

birthday

Masculine noun for the day someone was born.

Example

Heute ist mein Geburtstag.

Today is my birthday.

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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 Lesson

What 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