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Short answer

“good luck” in German is Viel Glück

How to say good luck in German?

Need to know how to say good luck in German? The standard phrase is 'Viel Glück', which literally means 'much luck'. If someone is about to do a task where effort and skill matter, such as a job interview or exam, Germans usually choose 'Viel Erfolg'. In casual, superstitious settings — performances, sports, festivals — you can also say 'Toi, toi, toi' or 'Hals- und Beinbruch'. All four phrases are natural, but each fits a slightly different situation.

phraseViel Erfolg / Toi, toi, toi / Hals- und Beinbruch Updated October 31, 2026

Common pairings

Viel Glück bei der PrüfungViel Erfolg im BerufIch wünsche dir viel Glück

How to use it

  • Use 'Viel Glück' when luck is the main factor — lotteries, gambles, unpredictable events. The literal idea is 'much luck', so the adjective 'gut' does not appear.
  • Use 'Viel Erfolg' when the situation depends on preparation, effort or skill — work presentations, exams, applications. It is also the safer choice in formal, professional contexts.
  • Use 'Toi, toi, toi' and 'Hals- und Beinbruch' only in informal situations with friends or colleagues. Both are rooted in superstition and are meant to keep bad luck away.

Examples

Viel Glück bei der Prüfung!
Good luck with the exam!
Standard, everyday way to wish someone luck in an uncertain situation like a test.
Viel Erfolg bei deiner Bewerbung!
Good luck with your application!
Uses 'Viel Erfolg' to focus on success through effort, common in professional contexts.
Toi, toi, toi!
Fingers crossed! / Break a leg!
Casual, superstitious phrase used especially in theater, music and before public performances.
Hals- und Beinbruch!
Break a leg!
Playful informal expression for performances and sports events; literally 'neck and leg break'.

Common mistakes

WrongCorrectWhy
Gute Glück bei der Prüfung! Viel Glück bei der Prüfung! German uses 'viel' in this fixed wish, not the adjective 'gut'. 'Gute Glück' is grammatically wrong because 'Glück' is neuter and the phrase is fixed.
UnnaturalNaturalWhy
Viel Glück bei dem Vorstellungsgespräch. Viel Erfolg bei dem Vorstellungsgespräch. Germans usually wish 'Viel Erfolg' for a job interview, because they want someone to succeed through their own performance; 'Viel Glück' sounds like you are leaving the result to chance.

FAQ

  1. How to say good luck in German?
    The most common way is 'Viel Glück'. For situations where success depends on effort, use 'Viel Erfolg' instead.
  2. Is 'Toi, toi, toi' a common way to say good luck?
    Yes, especially in theater, music and sports. It is informal and used to wish someone luck without jinxing them.
  3. What is the difference between 'Viel Glück' and 'Viel Erfolg'?
    'Viel Glück' refers to luck and chance; 'Viel Erfolg' refers to success through work. Use 'Viel Erfolg' in job and career contexts.
  4. Can I use 'Gute Glück' in German?
    No. The fixed expression is 'Viel Glück'. 'Gute Glück' is grammatically incorrect.