glücklich

Glücklich is a German adjective meaning "happy" or "fortunate." It describes an emotional state, as in Ich bin glücklich, as well as favorable circumstances, such as eine glückliche Wendung or ein glücklicher Zufall. The corresponding noun is Glück, meaning luck or happiness. The adjective is formed from the noun Glück with the suffix -lich.

Etymology and related forms: Glück itself refers to luck or fortune and has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch gelukkig or Swedish lycklig. The adjective glück- can combine with various endings to agree with gender, number, and case (for example, ein glücklicher Mann, das glückliche Kind, der glückliche Moment).

Usage and nuance: Glücklich can be predicative after sein (Ich bin glücklich) or attributive before a noun (ein glücklicher Mensch). Adverbs include glücklicherweise, meaning "fortunately." Phrases like Viel Glück are common as wishes of good fortune. The term can denote a lasting state (ein glückliches Leben) or a momentary feeling (Ich bin heute sehr glücklich). The distinction from zufrieden is subtle: glücklich emphasizes a positive emotional experience or fortunate outcome, while zufrieden conveys a sense of contentment or satisfaction.

Cultural notes and related terms: Glück is a central concept in German-speaking culture, with many compound terms such as Glücksgefühl (feeling of happiness), Glückspilz (a very lucky person), Glücksfall (a fortunate event), and Glückssache (a matter of luck).