Politeness is very helpful when talking to unfamiliar Germans. The easiest way to say “thank you” in German is " danke " (DAN-ke). However, as with any language, there are different ways to express gratitude, depending on the context. In addition to knowing how to say "thank you," you also need to know how to politely respond to a thank you from another person for something you said or did.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Saying A Simple Thank You
Step 1. Use " danke " in all situations to thank you for something
The word " danke " (DAN-ke) is the standard way of saying "thank you" in German. Even if it's not very formal, you can still say it to anyone in any context and it's still considered appropriate.
German culture is very polite and formal. Don't forget to say "danke" every time someone helps or does something for you
Step 2. Add " schön " or " sehr " to increase the “feel” of gratitude
"Danke schön " (DAN-ke syun) and " danke sehr " (DANK-ke zyer) are pronounced to say “thank you very much”. While they are considered more formal than the usual “thank you”, they are also used casually. Some other ways to say "thank you very much" in German are:
- " Vielen Dank " (FII-len DANK): which means, "many thanks"
- " Tausend Dank " (TOW-zen DANK): which means, "thousand thanks".
Culture Tip:
When thanking someone for doing their job, for example to a waitress at a restaurant or a shop assistant, usually both of the above phrases are taken as redundant and you should use " danke ".
Step 3. Say "ich danke Ihnen" if you want to be more formal
The pronunciation " Ihnen " (IIN-nen) is a formal second person pronoun in German. When you say "ich danke Ihnen" (ick DAN-ke IIN-nen), you say "I thank you" which also makes it clear that you are respectful to the other person.
This phrase is one of the most formal ways to say "thank you" in German. Usually, you only say it when you're talking to someone much older or in a higher position
Step 4. Switch to " Vielen Dank für alles " to thank you for things
The phrase " vielen Dank für alles " (FII-len DANK fyur AL-les) means "thank you for everything." If you are thanking someone who has helped you over and over again, or over a long period of time, use this phrase.
This phrase may also be appropriate in certain situations, for example when checking in at a hotel because the hotel staff will provide various services during your stay
Writing Tips:
In German, all nouns are capitalized. " Dank " is the noun form of the verb " danke " so keep that in mind when you write this word down.
Method 2 of 3: Using a More Special Acknowledgment
Step 1. Say "Danke für die schöne Zeit" after the date
The phrase " Danke für die schöne Zeit " (DAN-ke fyur dii SYO-ne zeyt) means "thank you very much for your time." This phrase is appropriate if someone you are dating with someone, or when someone treats you, for example at dinner or at a concert.
You can also use this phrase for a performer or entertainer who entertains you
Alternative:
If someone is taking you out for a night out, you can also say " Danke für den schönen Abend " (DAN-ke fyur den SYO-nen AH-bend), which means "thank you for a great evening."
Step 2. Say "Danke für Ihre" if you are a guest
The phrase " Danke für Ihre " (DAN-ke fyur II-re) essentially means "thank you for your hospitality." Whether you are a guest at a hotel or at someone's home, say these words to thank them for their warmth and hospitality during your visit.
- The same sentence can also be interpreted as "thank you for the help" or "thank you for the effort."
- The word "Ihre" is formal. If you want to be more casual, you can say " deine Gastfreundschaft " (DAY-neh GAST-freund-shaft) which means "thank you for the hospitality", or " deine Hilfe " (DAY-neh HILL-fe) for "thank you for his help."
Step 3. Say "Danke für das schöne Geschenk" when someone gives you a gift
If you receive a gift, whether it's a birthday, a big day, or if he's just being generous, say "Danke für das schöne Geschenk " (DAN-ke fyur dhas SYOUR-ne GEH-syenk). This sentence means "thank you for the gift."
While "danke" is sufficient to say in person, it's best used when sending cards, emails, or thank-you letters. This word is more specific and can be a reminder of why you are grateful to them
Step 4. Anticipate the request or action by saying "Danke im voraus"
Especially in written correspondence, sometimes we want to say thank you for something that the person concerned has not done. In this situation, you can use the phrase " danke im voraus " (AND-ke im FOR-aws), which means "thank you in advance."
As in Indonesian, this phrase is usually not appropriate if you have doubts that your request will be granted. However, you can use it if you only need regular help, such as asking for recommendations or referrals
Step 5. Use " danke, gleichfalls " in response to praise or prayer
The phrase " danke, gleichfalls " (DAN-ke GLISH-falts) is usually a combination of thank you and return of love to the same person. If someone compliments you, congratulates you, or something like that, use this phrase.
For example, a hotel clerk might say " Ich wünsche dir alles Gute," which means "I wish you all the best" when you check out of the hotel. You can reply by saying " Danke, gleichfalls," which means "Thank you, you're welcome."
Method 3 of 3: Responding to Thank You
Step 1. Say "bitte" (BIT-te) in response to "danke
"" Bitte " is a very versatile phrase in German and you will hear it a lot when traveling to Germany or Austria. It literally means "please", but can also be used as a "return of love" to thank someone in return.
Step 2. Use " bitte schön " or " bitte sehr " for a more empathetic thank you
If someone says " danke schön " or " danke sehr " to you, respond with an appropriate response. You can also just reply with " danke " if you want to emphasize that you're doing what you're grateful for willingly.
Store or retail salespeople also use this phrase when you say " danke ". In this context, they imply that they are just doing their job and you don't have to thank them. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't say "danke" sincerely to service industry workers
Tip:
"Bitte schön " and " bitte sehr " are also used when you are offering someone something, usually meaning similar to "please".
Step 3. Say "gerne" or "gern geschehen" which means "with pleasure
The adverb " gern " (jern) means "with pleasure," while " gern geschehen " (jern GEH-sye-hen) literally means "done with pleasure." You can also simply say "gehrn-uh" to short version.
" Gerne " is usually considered more casual, but still appropriate in most situations. Say "gern geschehen" when you're talking to someone much older or higher up
Step 4. Say "kein problem" when speaking casually
It is a mix of German and English and is easy to understand, especially if you are fluent in English. However, note that this greeting is very casual and should only be used when talking to people who know you well, or people your age or younger than you.
As you might expect, the word "problem" is pronounced the same as in English, although a native German would say it in a German accent. The word "kein" is pronounced as "keyn"
Culture Tips " Kein problem " can also be used to show that you understand someone's words or actions. This sentence is similar to "no problem" or "don't worry" in Indonesian.
