gratulieren
to congratulate
Intermediate Verb
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Pronunciation
/ɡʁa.tuˈliː.ʁən/
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Cultural Note
'Gratulieren' takes the dative case: 'Ich gratuliere dir' (I congratulate you). The formal phrase 'Herzlichen Glückwunsch!' (Heartfelt good wishes!) is the standard congratulation for birthdays, weddings, and achievements. Remember: never congratulate a German before their actual birthday!
📝 Example Sentences
Ich gratuliere dir zum Geburtstag!
I congratulate you on your birthday!
Herzlichen Glückwunsch! Wir gratulieren euch zur Hochzeit.
Congratulations! We congratulate you on the wedding.
Alle haben mir gratuliert.
Everyone congratulated me.