What is the German word for "toast" and how can I explain this to our German friend?

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FCabanski

Your explanation is a good one.

Paula

You could translate it with "Trinkspruch" or "Tischrede".

@Young Turk: Not funny. Go away and do your homework.

Maresa

Well, in Germany we also use the word Toast for a short speech, but we don't have that tradition of a best man's toast on the wedding, so just explain him your words above and he will surely understand ;-)

Altstadtweib

Maresa is right. The word "toast" is the same for that small speech raising your glass and congratulating the new couple...We just don't have "best man" etc...
I think your explanation will be fine. He will understand!

Susi

Your explanation is great, I am sure he will understand that. In Germany weddings are celebrated very differently and I have never seen anything like it. They are not as elaborate as the ones in the US, eg. tons of braidesmaids, groomsmen and so on......but are still tons of fun.

dbdoit

At least you are going to explain it to the 'Best Man'. Germans also use the word 'Toast' for bread. So, be happy your Best Man will not be handing out bread&jam to the wedding party(saw that happen at a German American Afghanistan Russian wedding).
In Germany weddings are a bit different in regards to Best Man and Maid of Honor, etc. Your explaination is fine. To make it easier for your Best Man tell him that the 'Toast' is to wish the couple good luck in their marriage. I take it you are dealing with a German so they have to know the exact meaning. I have been to dozens of weddings of all faiths, combinations, whatever so if he has a problem making a 'Toast'(ie speaking in public) he can qoute a short poem or lyrics from a song.
Good Luck and Congratulations!

Stacy

Lately, here in Germany there is a commercial for T-Com, and the actors are in a situation where a toast comes into play (I don't want to have to explain the whole thing), but a toast (incluing.. clanging on the glass with a knife and all .. ) is called 'ein Lied heissen' which is weird.. because translated, it means naming a song, but I swear, that is what they say in the commercial. So, tell your friend that and I'm sure that he will understand.

Amy

Prost....not sure of the spelling...but that is what they say when they toast..

Mi Amor

use an online translator, use google.com....good luck p.s. there is no word for word translation of that word because it is an english phrase

young turk

Say that it is to similar to GÃ¶bbels' speeches. He will understand.

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