Also see Lesson 1 of German for Beginners (Greetings and Courtesies).
Saying "Thank you"
To say "thank you" in German, the simple word Danke will do the job. However, as in English, there are many variations and styles of expressing thanks in German. Here is a look at ten ways to say "thank you" - plus some related German words and expressions for expressing your gratitude. (Note: The pronunciations indicated below are only approximate. Items with "Hear it!" have audio. See our language lab and Lesson 1 of German for Beginners for more on the sounds of German.)
- Danke! (DAHNK-uh) Thanks! Thank you. (also "No thanks" - See note below) Hear it!
- Danke schön!* (DAHNK-uh shoon) Thank you! Hear it!
- Tausend Dank! (TAU-zent DAHNK) A thousand thanks! Thanks very much!
- Danke vielmals! (DAHNK-uh FEEL-malls) Many thanks!
- Recht schönen Dank! (RECHT shoon-en DAHNK) Many thanks!
- Ich danke Ihnen/dir! (eech DAHNK-uh EEH-nun / DEAR) I thank you!
- Ich bin (Ihnen/dir) sehr dankbar für... (eek bin DAHNK-bar fe-ur) I'm very grateful (to you) for...
- Haben Sie vielen Dank! (HAH-ben zee FEEL-en DAHNK) Many thanks!
- Vielen Dank!** (FEEL-en DAHNK) Many thanks! Hear it!
- Mit tiefer Dankbarkeit! (MITT TEEF-er DAHNK-bar-kite) With deep gratitude!
*Another variation: Danke sehr! Thank you very much!
**Some similar forms: Besten Dank! Best thanks!; Herzlichen Dank! Heartfelt thanks!; Schönen Dank! Many thanks!
Now let's look at some related German words and phrases for expressing your gratitude (die Dankbarkeit):
Related Expressions and Words
- dankbar grateful, thankful
- die Dankbarkeit gratitude, thanks
- Ich bedanke mich! I thank you! - My thanks!
- Nein, danke! No thanks!* Hear it!
- Nichts zu danken! Don't mention it! You're welcome!
- Bitte! You're welcome! (in response to "Danke!) Hear it!
- das Dankeschön (a/the) thank-you
- Ein herzliches Dankeschön! My/Our heartfelt thanks!
- das Dankschreiben thank-you note/letter
- der Dankbrief thank-you letter
- das Dankgebet prayer of thanks
- die Danksagung expression of thanks/gratitude, thanksgiving
- das Erntedankfest (Harvest) Thanksgiving (see Thanksgiving in Germany)
*Note: If you say "Danke!" in response to an offer, it may be understood as "no thanks." To say "thanks, yes" use "Bitte!" (please). Learn more in Lesson 1 of German for Beginners.
MORE > Essential German
MORE > Lesson 1 of German for Beginners