warm welcome to

'A warm welcome to' is a fixed English phrase used to greet someone with warmth, typically in speeches, formal introductions, or ceremony programs. The appropriate German rendering varies depending on whether the phrase functions as a verb or as a noun.

1. herzlich willkommen heißen

The standard verbal equivalent: used whenever someone actively welcomes another person or group, especially in spoken language and public addresses.

We extend a warm welcome to all new members of our team.
Wir heißen alle neuen Teammitglieder herzlich willkommen.
The director gave a warm welcome to the international guests.
Der Direktor hieß die internationalen Gäste herzlich willkommen.
Please join me in extending a warm welcome to our keynote speaker.
Bitte heißen Sie mit mir unsere Hauptrednerin herzlich willkommen.

2. ein herzliches Willkommen [formal]

Used as a noun phrase in written invitations, ceremony programs, and formal opening remarks: 'A warm welcome to all our guests.'

A warm welcome to everyone who has joined us for this evening's event.
Ein herzliches Willkommen an alle, die an der heutigen Abendveranstaltung teilnehmen.
The organizing committee extends a warm welcome to participants from all over the world.
Das Organisationskomitee entbietet ein herzliches Willkommen an Teilnehmer aus aller Welt.

Notes

A common learner mistake is to translate 'warm' literally as 'warm', but 'warme Begrüßung' sounds unnatural in German. The idiomatic equivalent of 'warm' in this context is always 'herzlich'. Also note the German spelling: as a verb the form is 'willkommen heißen' (two words), whereas the noun takes a capital W: 'ein herzliches Willkommen'.

Synonyms

hearty welcome cordial welcome warm reception

Related phrases

welcome speech welcoming remarks greet hospitality reception