Prosit

Prosit is an exclamation used to accompany a toast in German-speaking cultures. The term originates from the Latin prosit, meaning “may it profit” or “may it be beneficial,” a blessing-formula that was used in Latin to express good wishes. Over time, the phrase entered German usage and became associated with drinking rituals and toasts.

In contemporary usage, Prost is by far the more common toast in everyday speech. Prosit survives as a more traditional or formal variant and is heard especially in southern Germany and Austria, as well as in more ceremonial or old-fashioned contexts. It can appear in written language, on signage, or in older literary works, where it retains a sense of formality or antiquity.

Apart from toasting, Prosit may be encountered in festive greetings or expressions such as “Prosit Neujahr,” which conveys a wish for a healthy and prosperous new year. While closely related to Prost, Prosit is not as widely used in casual modern conversation, and its presence often signals tradition, regional style, or ceremonial settings.

See also: Prost (toast), Etiquette, Drinking culture, Latin phrases used in German.