Fixed phrases

es lebe …, (So) sei es, some legal boilerplate.

Register

Ceremonial or ironic reuse in speeches.

Listening

Political toasts and formal openings preserve these forms.

Practice

Collect three formulas from speeches or films and note whether they use Konjunktiv I or a würde paraphrase in subtitles.

Practical Examples

1. Es lebe die Freiheit!

English: Long live freedom! Note: A classic exclamation to express a strong wish for the continued existence or success of a concept.

1. Es lebe der König!

English: Long live the king! Note: Used to express loyalty and a wish for a person's long life or reign, often in formal or ceremonial contexts.

1. Es lebe das Brautpaar!

English: Long live the bridal couple! / Three cheers for the bridal couple! Note: A celebratory toast or cheer for a group, wishing them well and a long, happy future.

1. Hoch lebe der Sieger!

English: Long live the winner! / Three cheers for the winner! Note: Similar to "Es lebe," but "hoch" adds an extra emphasis of celebration and acclaim, often used at events.

1. Möge der Friede ewig währen!

English: May peace last forever! Note: A more formal and often poetic way to express a profound wish or hope, using "mögen" + infinitive.

1. Gott bewahre!

English: God forbid! / Heaven forbid! Note: A fixed expression used to strongly reject an undesirable possibility or outcome.

1. Der Teufel hole ihn!

English: The devil take him! Note: An archaic or very strong, often angry, curse or expression of extreme dislike.

1. Verzeih mir!

English: Forgive me! Note: A direct, polite, and common request for forgiveness, using the imperative form of the subjunctive II.

1. Sei gegrüßt, Freund!

English: Greetings, friend! / Be greeted, friend! Note: A somewhat formal or traditional greeting, using the subjunctive II of "sein" in the imperative.

1. Koste es, was es wolle!

English: Cost what it may! / Whatever the cost! Note: Used to express determination to achieve a goal regardless of the effort, sacrifice, or expense involved.

1. Es lebe hoch die neue Ära!

English: Long live the new era! Note: A variant combining "es lebe" with "hoch" for added emphasis, celebrating a new period or development.

1. Lang lebe die Königin!

English: Long live the queen! Note: A direct and traditional wish for a monarch's long life, often used interchangeably with "Es lebe die Königin."

1. Mögen all deine Wünsche in Erfüllung gehen!

English: May all your wishes come true! Note: A common and heartfelt expression of good wishes, using "mögen" + infinitive for a general wish.

1. Es lebe die Revolution!

English: Long live the revolution! Note: A powerful and often politically charged slogan, expressing support and desire for a radical change.

1. Rette sich, wer kann!

English: Every man for himself! / Save yourselves, whoever can! Note: A desperate cry or statement indicating a chaotic situation where individuals must act to save themselves.