German · Greetings & Essentials
"Good luck!" in German: viel Glück
viel Glück
Good luck in German is viel Glück. Before exams or interviews say Viel Glück! A playful alternative is Hals- und Beinbruch, literally neck and leg break.
Before an interview
Viel Glück bei deinem Gespräch morgen!Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce viel Glück
Say it
feel GLUEK
/fiːl ˈɡlʏk/
feel GLUEK. Ü like ee with rounded lips. Soft final ck.
"Good luck!" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| viel Glück | good luck Standard wish. | Standard wish. |
| Viel Glück! | Good luck! Standalone send-off. | Standalone send-off. |
| Hals- und Beinbruch | break a leg (good luck) Ironic theater/exam wish. | Ironic theater/exam wish. |
| Drück mir die Daumen | keep your fingers crossed for me Ask for luck support. | Ask for luck support. |
How to use viel Glück in real life
- 1Before an interview
Viel Glück bei deinem Gespräch morgen!
Good luck with your interview tomorrow!
Full phrase + bei.
- 2Exam hallway
Viel Glück — du hast genug gelernt.
Good luck — you've studied enough.
Short encouragement.
- 3Sports match
Wir drücken die Daumen und wünschen viel Glück!
We're crossing our fingers and wishing good luck!
Viel Glück in a cheer.
Mistakes English speakers make with viel Glück
Incorrect: Good luck!
Correct: Viel Glück!
Use the German phrase viel Glück.
Incorrect: vielen Glück
Correct: viel Glück
Glück stays without -en after viel in this fixed wish.
Good to know
Viel Glück is safe everywhere. Hals- und Beinbruch sounds odd if translated but is friendly among performers and students. Afterward people say Hat geklappt? more than How was your luck?
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Sending a friend into a driving test
ChatPal
Gleich geht's los. Viel Glück!
It's about to start. Good luck!
You
Danke. Ich brauche echt viel Glück heute.
Thanks. I really need good luck today.
ChatPal
Atme tief. Viel Glück nochmal!
Breathe deep. Good luck again!
You
Okay. Nach der Prüfung erzähle ich, ob viel Glück gereicht hat.
Okay. After the test I'll say whether good luck was enough.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Good luck!" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Good luck!" in German
How do you say good luck?
Viel Glück.
Break a leg?
Hals- und Beinbruch.
Fingers crossed?
Ich drücke dir die Daumen.
Before an exam?
Viel Glück bei der Prüfung!
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
