Why do I need to know Läuft bei dir?
Läuft bei dir, pronounced like this, is a casual way to express approval or congratulate someone when something goes well for them.
It works particularly well in conversations among friends. This phrase is especially popular among younger German speakers, although you may hear adults use it too.
If you just got a promotion at work and one of your German friends says, "Läuft bei dir", they’re saying they’re happy for you, and you can thank them in return.
If one of your German friends just told you he has a new girlfriend, you can tell him "Läuft bei dir", and he’ll know that you’re excited for him.
Usually the phrase serves a light-hearted way to hype up your friends when something goes well for them.
But watch out! Depending on the tone, this phrase can take on a more sarcastic meaning, kind of like how the phrase Schön für dich (good for you) is often used insincerely. If you forgot to do your part of a group project, for example, and someone says Läuft bei dir, they’re most likely giving you a hard time about it.
What does it mean?
This phrase literally translates to “things are going well for you,” but in everyday speech the meaning is more similar to “good for you,” “way to go” or “you’re killing it.”
Generally speaking, Läuft bei dir is an expression of approval, but when used sarcastically, it’s more like saying “nice going.”
Whether the phrase is being used sincerely or not can usually be determined by the situation or a person’s tone.
In casual speech or texts, you can also just shorten the phrase to Läuft.
Use it like this:
Boah, dritter Urlaub dieses Jahr? Läuft bei dir!
Wow, third vacation this year? Good for you!
(Sarcastic) Du hast den Drink auf dem neuen Teppich verschüttet? Läuft bei dir!
You spilled your drink on the new carpet? Nice going!
(In casual speech)
– Hab zwei Klausuren bestanden
– Läuft
– I passed two exams
– Congrats
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