German word

Gratulation

Pronunciation

IPA/gʁatulaˈt͡si̯oːn/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncongratulations

Example

Die Gratulation des Lehrers war herzlich.

The teacher's congratulations were heartfelt.

Illustration for Gratulation (congratulations)

More examples

Der Redner überbrachte eine kurze Gratulation an die Preisträger.

The speaker conveyed brief congratulations to the prize winners.

Core concept

A concise acknowledgment of another person's milestone or good fortune.

Common phrases

  • formelle Gratulation

    formal congratulations

  • mündliche Gratulation

    oral congratulations

Similar words

Glückwunsch: A familiar, everyday message celebrating someone's good news or special occasion.
Glückwünsche: Congratulations expressed as good wishes in a card or greeting.

Definition in German

Kurzer Gruß oder eine Botschaft, mit der man jemandem zu einem Erfolg, Geburtstag oder besonderem Anlass gratuliert.

Word origin

German Gratulation comes from Latin gratulatio and is historically connected with the verb gratulieren.

Usage tips

  • In casual German, Glückwunsch is often preferred to the somewhat formal Gratulation.

Opposites

  • Beileidcondolencesnoun

Related words

  • gratulierencongratulateverb
  • Gratulationskartecongratulatory cardnoun

Word lists with this word