Why is it bad luck to wish someone happy birthday in Germany?

In Germany, and several other countries, wishing someone a happy birthday before their actual birthday is considered bad luck. This superstition is what gave rise to the German concept of reinfeiern, where people have a party the night before someone’s birthday and wish them happy birthday at midnight or afterwards.

What is considered bad luck in Germany?

To wish someone an early birthday is to wish them a year of bad luck. You also can’t open gifts before the official date. Save that Alles Gute zum Geburtstag til the day. Beer drinking is serious business in German, and nowhere is that more clear in the traditions surrounding the “Prost“.

Why don’t Germans congratulate a friend before his or her actual birthday?

Before You Wish Someone a Happy Birthday in German… You see, in Germany wishing someone a happy birthday before his or her actual birthday is considered rude and supposedly brings bad luck. Some Germans get extremely offended about it – even though they’re not superstitious otherwise.

Is it OK to wish birthday in advance?

“I wish a happy birthday, in advance”, is acceptable if you’re wishing someone a happy birthday in the near future either due to timeline differences or you will out of contact on the day.

Why is it bad luck to celebrate a birthday early?

When you celebrate your birthday in advance, you will confuse the spirits of death and life. As a result, they may come to take you to the afterlife earlier than you must. On the contrary, a lot of individuals believe that there is nothing wrong to celebrate birthdays in advance but not after the actual date.

Do Germans believe in luck?

To this day many Germans believe you’re especially in luck if a ladybug lands on you! Lucky Cent / Glücks Cent (formerly Pfennig). Finding a lucky penny is in itself lucky!

Why we should not wish birthday in advance?

“It’s a common superstition,” said Bianca Davis, current Amberg resident who grew up in Neustadt an der Weinstrasse. “You are celebrated all day long, but never before.” In fact, it’s a year of bad luck if someone prematurely wishes you Happy Birthday or you open gifts before the official date, said Davis.

What is German birthday?

Your birthday is the one day of the year where it’s all about you – unless you live in Germany. As a newcomer, you might want to prepare yourself for German birthday traditions. No-one will mention your birthday beforehand. You’ll be expected to buy your own birthday cake to share with everyone.

How do u say Happy Birthday in German?

Spoken Birthday Expressions

1. Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag! > Happy birthday!
2. Alles Gute zum Geburtstag! > Have a good birthday!
3. All das Beste zum Geburtstag! > All the best on your birthday!
4. Viel Glück zum Geburtstag! >
5. Ich gratuliere Ihnen zu Ihrem 40/50/60 etc. >
6. Herzlichen Glückwunsch nachträglich. >

Is it bad luck to wish someone happy birthday early?

“You are celebrated all day long, but never before.” In fact, it’s a year of bad luck if someone prematurely wishes you Happy Birthday or you open gifts before the official date, said Davis. Superstition is not the only cultural difference when it comes to celebrating birthdays, however.

What is a belated birthday?

What does “happy belated birthday” mean? When you wish someone a belated happy birthday, you are wishing them after the birthday has taken place. It follows that, when you put the word ‘belated’ before ‘birthday’, you are implying that it is the birthday that came later than expected.

Is it bad luck to Wish Someone Happy Birthday in Germany?

German Birthday Customs and Traditions(Deutsche Geburtstagsbräuche und Traditionen) Never wish a German a happy birthday before their birthday. It is considered bad luck to do so. There are no well-wishes, cards or presents given before a German’s birthday.

What are some superstitions in Germany?

13 German Superstitions. In Germany, and several other countries, wishing someone a happy birthday before their actual birthday is considered bad luck. This superstition is what gave rise to the German concept of reinfeiern, where people have a party the night before someone’s birthday and wish them happy birthday at midnight or afterwards.

Is it bad luck to break things in Germany?

It is also considered good luck to break something glass or ceramic. The Germans have a saying: ‘Scherben bringen Glück’ – ‘Shards bring luck’. Some believe that if your dog dies you should bury them right underneath your front doorstep, and then their ghost will guard your house. It’s bad luck to walk in between two old women in the street.

How do people celebrate their birthdays in Germany?

Many people, both young and old, love celebrating their birthday. In Germany, like in most countries around the world, cake, presents, family, and friends bring in the fun for such a special day.