‘Egészségedre!’: Handy guide to toasting in Hungary

When it comes to toasting in Hungary, it’s not just about raising a glass—it’s about honouring centuries of tradition and adding a dash of cultural flair to any celebration. From mastering the tricky “Egészségedre!” word to avoiding the historic no-beer-toast rule, every detail tells a story. And don’t forget to lock eyes during the clink—superstition says your next seven years of luck might depend on it! Whether it’s wine, pálinka, or simply the joy of togetherness, toasting in Hungary is your passport to making moments unforgettable.

What to say when toasting in Hungary?

Toasting in Hungary is a vibrant tradition steeped in history and cultural significance, making it an essential part of any social gathering. When raising a glass, Hungarians typically say “Egészségedre!” (the pronunciation is something like: egg-ace-shay-ged-re), which translates to “to your health.” However, many just say “Egészség!”, which translates to “health”, probably because it is shorter. After all, it might not be too easy to pronounce such a long Hungarian word after a few drinks… You can also toast to someone’s health by saying for example “Tibor egészségére”, “to Tibor’s health”. In addition, you can also acknowledge achievements by saying “Az új munkádra!”, “To your new job!”.

Do not toast with beer

Interestingly, the custom of toasting in Hungary is influenced by a historical vow dating back to the 1848 revolution against the Austrians. For over 150 years, it was considered inappropriate to toast with beer, as it was believed that doing so would disrespect the memory of fallen heroes. Although this ban has since been lifted, many Hungarians still prefer to toast with wine or pálinka, a traditional fruit brandy that holds a special place in Hungarian culture.

Photo: depositphotos.com

Avoid seven years of bad luck

Another intriguing aspect of toasting in Hungary is the emphasis on maintaining eye contact during the toast. It is said that failing to do so can bring seven years of bad luck—a superstition that adds an engaging quirk to the ritual. This practice highlights the importance of sincerity and connection in Hungarian culture.

Whether at weddings, birthdays, or casual gatherings, toasting serves as a reminder of the bonds we share and the joy of celebrating life’s moments together. So next time you find yourself in Hungary, don’t forget to raise your glass and join in on this delightful tradition—after all, it’s not just about the drink; it’s about the shared experience and the stories that unfold with each toast!

Prepare yourself…

Guests are often expected to make a toast themselves at some point during a meal, especially if they are being toasted personally or are the guest of honour. It’s also customary for guests not to refuse drinks offered by their hosts, particularly pálinka, as doing so could be seen as impolite. On the other hand, someone being so pushy about giving you a drink may come off as impolite as well.

Source: Wikimedia Commons/T.MESE

Read also:

• Big change ahead: Hungarian government bans alcohol from shop windows
• Hungary among Europe’s beer-loving nations: Global consumption rankings revealed

Featured image: depositphotos.com