“Hals- und Beinbruch”
Break a leg / Good luck
Daily LifeInformalB1
Literal Translation
Word for word: “Neck- and leg-break”
Pronunciation
/hals ʊnt ˈbaɪ̯nˌbʁʊx/
When to Use This Phrase
Like 'break a leg', it wishes the opposite of what you mean so you don't jinx anything, and Germans say it before exams, interviews and performances. One popular but disputed theory traces it to the Yiddish 'hatslokhe un brokhe' (success and blessing).
Example Sentences
Du hast heute deinen ersten Auftritt? Hals- und Beinbruch!
Your first performance is today? Break a leg!
Gleich habe ich meine Präsentation. — Hals- und Beinbruch!
My presentation is in a few minutes. — Break a leg!
Word Breakdown
HalsBeinbruch
Related Phrases
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