Preparing for the Oktoberfest: Exciting and Fun Cheers in German

If you’ve ever heard anything about German culture, you probably know that beer is a significant part of it. Therefore, for those aiming to become fluent in the language, memorizing at least a few cheers in German is essential. Today, we’ll explore everything you need to know, from useful vocabulary to handy drinking phrases. And, of course, we’ll tell you a little about the German drinking culture. So, please make yourself comfortable, and let’s dive right into it!

Common Toasts and Cheers in German Language

Due to the drinking culture being strongly implemented into German lives, there are plenty of fascinating toasts they use for various occasions. In the list below, you can find some of the most popular expressions and other unique German cheers to use during your next get-together.

• Prost – [pʁoːst] – Cheers.

This expression is one of the most widespread ways to say cheers in Germany and other German-speaking areas. It is versatile and polite, suitable for both casual interactions and formal occasions. For example:

Prost! Auf eine tolle Zeit zusammen! (Cheers! Here’s to a great time together!)

• Zum Wohl – [tsʊm voːl] – To your health.

This is another common German word for cheers, used mostly in casual interactions. As you can see, according to its literal translation, it is a great way to celebrate one’s health and well-being when getting together for drinks. For example:

Zum Wohl der Gastgeber! Möge ihr Haus immer voller Freude sein! (To the health of the hosts! May their home always be filled with joy!)

• Ich möchte einen Toast auf (name) ausbringen! – [ɪç mœçtə ˈaɪ̯nən toˈast aʊ̯f (name) ˈaʊ̯sbʁɪŋən] – I’d like to propose a toast to (name)!

If you want to specify your German cheers word, you should definitely memorize this expression. It is even more personal than the previous one, as it toasts to the particular person. For example:

Ich möchte einen Toast auf Carla ausbringen! Ich liebe dich und wünsche dir nur das Beste! (I would like to propose a toast to Carla! I love you and wish you nothing but the best!)

• Hier ist auf [Anlass]! – [hiːɐ ɪst aʊ̯f [ˈanlas]] – Here's to [occasion]!

When you need a perfect phrase in German for cheers to celebrate a specific occasion, like a wedding, birthday, someone getting a new job, or any other option, this one just must be your go-to choice. For example:

Hier ist auf das glückliche Paar! Möge eure Liebe ewig währen! (Here’s to the happy couple! May your love last forever!)

• Auf einen wundervollen Abend! – [aʊ̯f ˈaɪ̯nən ˈvʊndɐˌvolən ˈaːbənt] – To a wonderful evening!

Imagine this – you’re surrounded by your close friends or family, you’ve spent all the evening together, and now you’re just having a great time in pleasant company, leaving all the problems behind. Sounds exciting, right? Well, if you want to celebrate this moment, there is nothing better than this German phrase! For example:

Auf einen wundervollen Abend voller Lachen und guter Gespräche! (To a wonderful evening full of laughter and good conversation!)

7

How Do You Say Cheers in German: Useful Vocabulary

In addition to cheers, it is essential to memorize some helpful phrases and expressions you need to know before any German social gatherings. Whether you’re planning on visiting Oktoberfest or simply attending a party with your friends, here are some essential words and sayings that will definitely come in handy.

• Das Bier – [das biːɐ] – Beer.

Of course, we can’t talk about how to say cheers in German and not tell you how to say beer in this language. As you can see, although the spelling differs, the pronunciation is quite similar to the English equivalent, so you won’t get confused! For example:

Ein kühles Bier an einem heißen Tag ist einfach perfekt. (A cold beer on a hot day is just perfect.)

• Die Maß – [diː maːs] – Liter mug of beer.

This word is essential for those planning on visiting Oktoberfest or just any local beer pub. It describes a specific liter mug, so you’ll be able to order the exact size of beer you want. For example:

Zum Oktoberfest trinke ich gerne eine Maß Bier. (I like to drink a liter mug of beer at Oktoberfest.)

• Noch ein Bier, bitte – [nɔχ ain biːɐ ˈbɪtə] – Another beer, please.

Given the variety and tastiness of German beer, it will definitely be hard to stop only on one Maß. Therefore, you should indeed know how to order another one, and this phrase works best for such circumstances. For example:

Noch ein Bier, bitte. Dieses ist leer. (Another beer, please. This one is empty.)

• Die Bierleichen – [diː ˈbiːɐˌlaɪ̯çən] – Beer corpses.

Don’t be scared! Although the literal translation of this word is a bit spooky, its meaning is quite humorous. It is used to describe people who have had too much to drink. For example:

Am Morgen danach lagen überall Bierleichen herum. (The morning after, beer corpses were lying everywhere.)

• Beschwipst – [bəˈʃvɪpst] – Tipsy.

If the person is not Bierleichen yet but already feels the impact of alcohol, you can call them Beschwripst, which means tipsy or slightly drunk. For example:

Nach ein paar Gläsern Wein fühle ich mich ein bisschen beschwipst. (After a few glasses of wine, I feel a bit tipsy.)

• Feierabendbier – [ˈfaɪ̯ɐˌʔaːbəntbiːɐ] – After-work beer.

We believe that some people underestimate the impact of beer on German culture. Locals like this beverage so much that they even have separate terms for describing drinking beer in different places and circumstances. This one, for instance, describes a beer you drink after a workday. For example:

Ein Feierabendbier mit den Kollegen ist eine schöne Möglichkeit, den Tag ausklingen zu lassen. (An after-work beer with colleagues is a nice way to unwind at the end of the day.)

• Wegbier – [ˈveːkbiːɐ] – Beer to go/ Road beer.

Remember what we’ve just told you about different terms for drinking beer in various circumstances? This one is also related! It describes a beer to take away, usually consumed while walking or hanging out with friends outdoors. For example:

Lass uns noch schnell ein Wegbier für den Spaziergang kaufen. (Let’s quickly buy a beer to go for the walk.)

• Zicke zacke, zicke zacke, hoi, hoi, hoi! – [ˈtsɪkə ˈtsakə ˈtsɪkə ˈtsakə hɔɪ̯ hɔɪ̯ hɔɪ̯] – A traditional German drinking chant.

The last expression on our list is another common way to say cheers in Germany! It doesn’t have any literal translation and is usually used to encourage people to drink at different celebrations and festivities. For example:

Wir haben ‘Zicke zacke, zicke zacke, hoi, hoi, hoi!’ gerufen und alle haben mitgemacht. (We shouted, “Zicke zacke, zicke zacke, hoi, hoi, hoi!” and everyone joined in.)

Mastering German Beer Toast Phrases (and More!) With Promova

While we can’t underestimate the benefits of learning German toasts and cheers, we can’t say that it is the best way to become fluent in a language. Of course, it will expand your vocabulary and give you some insights into the country’s culture. However, if your goal is to become proficient in German, you need to strengthen other basic skills alongside learning to say cheers in German slang.

But don’t worry! You don’t have to scroll through the internet looking for the perfect resource. We are happy to introduce you to Promova – your one-stop solution for fluency. Our convenient language-learning application is created for anyone aiming to master a new language. You can install it on your iOS or Android device, and access:

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• bite-sized learning to allow you to spend only a few minutes a day and still get impressive results;
• the ability to learn not only German but also English, Spanish, French, Korean, and many other tongues;
• convenient and accessible interface, making it easier to navigate the application;
• around-the-clock accessibility to help you implement learning in your busy schedule.

And much more! With Promova, you can access your studying plan anywhere and anytime you want. Also, you can study a few languages at the same time, so it is a great chance to try different options and find the ones that suit you best. So what are you waiting for? Install the Promova app today and begin your linguistic journey!

Conclusion

Whether you believe it or not, learning something as simple as Prost German cheers can impact your language learning. Memorizing and understanding such phrases not only expands your vocabulary but also allows you to immerse yourself in the country’s culture and traditions and feel more confident during social gatherings. We hope that with today’s article, you’ll know how to cheer and toast in German. And we’re looking forward to seeing you in the next one!