Ways to Say Thank You in the German Language: Phrases and Examples
Ways to Say "Thank You" in German
To know how to thank someone in German can help you in daily life. Expressing gratitude in German can be done in many ways, depending on the context and formality. Here are some of the most common and useful phrases to say "Thank you" in German.
1. Danke! —Thank you
"Danke" is the easiest and most widely used way to express "thank you" in German, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Example:
Person A: Kannst du mir das Salz geben?
Person B: Natürlich!
Person A: Danke!
Translation:
Person A: Can you pass me the salt?
Person B: Of course!
Person A: Thanks!
2. Danke schön! — Thank you kindly!
Danke schön!" is a somewhat more formal alternative to "Danke" and can be utilized in numerous situations. Be it in a professional meeting or with friends, this expression is courteous and adaptable.
Example:
Person A: Hier ist dein Wechselgeld.
Person B: Danke schön!
Translation:
Person A: Here is your change.
Person B: Thank you kindly!
3. Danke sehr! — Thank you very much!
Danke sehr!" is occasionally perceived as slightly more formal than "danke schön," though this varies by region. Some individuals prefer "danke sehr," while others opt for “danke schön”.
Example:
Person A: Ich habe den Bericht für dich fertiggestellt.
Person B: Danke sehr!
Translation:
Person A: I finished the report for you.
Person B: Thank you very much!
4. Vielen Dank! — Many thanks!
When you are particularly grateful, "Vielen Dank!" is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for situations where someone has gone out of their way to assist you.
Example:
Person A: Ich habe die Präsentation für dich gespeichert.
Person B: Vielen Dank!
Translation:
Person A: I saved the presentation for you.
Person B: Many thanks!
5. Tausend Dank! — A thousand thanks!
"Tausend Dank!" is the German equivalent of "Thanks a million!" and is typically used in casual settings, such as with friends or family.
Example:
Person A: Ich habe deinen Hund ausgeführt.
Person B: Tausend Dank!
Translation:
Person A: I walked your dog for you.
Person B: A thousand thanks!
6. Danke vielmals! — Many thanks!
"Danke vielmals!" is a variation of "Vielen Dank!" and means "thanks very much." It expresses sincere gratitude and is appropriate for both formal and casual situations.
Example:
Person A: Ich habe das Paket für dich angenommen.
Person B: Danke vielmals!
Translation:
Person A: I received the package for you.
Person B: Many thanks!
7. Vergelt’s Gott! — God will reward you!
"Vergelt’s Gott!" is a regional saying, primarily used in southern Germany and Austria. It’s a heartfelt expression of gratitude with a religious nuance."
Example:
Person A: Ich habe dir frisches Gemüse vom Markt gebracht.
Person B: Vergelt’s Gott!
Translation:
Person A: I brought you fresh vegetables from the market.
Person B: God will reward you!
8. Sehr aufmerksam! — That’s very kind of you.
When someone does something thoughtful, "Sehr aufmerksam!" is an excellent way to thank them. It can be used with or without "Danke" at the beginning.
Example:
Person A: Ich habe deinen Stuhl aufgeräumt.
Person B: Sehr aufmerksam, danke!
Translation:
Person A: I tidied up your chair.
Person B: That’s very kind of you, thanks!
9. Ich bin dir/Ihnen dankbar. — I’m thankful to you.
Depending on who you're addressing, use "dir" for informal and "Ihnen" for formal situations. This phrase shows deep gratitude.
Example:
Person A: Ich habe die Hausaufgaben für dich gemacht.
Person B: Ich bin dir sehr dankbar.
Translation:
Person A: I did the homework for you.
Person B: I’m very thankful to you.
10. Ich sage dir/Ihnen vielen Dank. — I say many thanks to you.
Though not commonly used, this phrase emphasizes your appreciation in both formal and informal contexts.
Example:
Person A: Ich habe deinen Termin verschoben.
Person B: Ich sage dir vielen Dank.
Translation:
Person A: I rescheduled your appointment.
Person B: I say many thanks to you.
11. Danke, gleichfalls! — Thank you, the same to you!
"Danke, gleichfalls!" is used to reciprocate someone's good wishes or compliments. It can be used in both formal and informal situations."
Example:
Person A: Ich wünsche dir einen schönen Tag!
Person B: Danke, gleichfalls!
Translation:
Person A: I wish you a nice day!
Person B: Thank you, the same to you!
12. Ich danke Ihnen! — I give you my thanks!
Ich danke Ihnen!" is among the most formal ways to convey gratitude in German, appropriate for scenarios requiring a high level of respect.
Example:
Person A: Ich habe die Dokumente für Sie vorbereitet.
Person B: Ich danke Ihnen!
Translation:
Person A: I prepared the documents for you.
Person B: I give you my thanks!
13. Ich danke dir! — I thank you!
Although it sounds formal, "Ich danke dir!" is actually informal and can be used with friends and family.
Example:
Person A: Ich habe dir dein Lieblingsessen gekocht.
Person B: Ich danke dir!
Translation:
Person A: I cooked your favorite meal.
Person B: I thank you!
14. Ich möchte mich herzlich bedanken. — I would like to thank you sincerely.
This is a deeply formal and sincere way to express gratitude, ideal for thanking someone who has done something meaningful.
Example:
Person A: Ich habe Ihnen bei dem Projekt geholfen.
Person B: Ich möchte mich herzlich bedanken.
Translation:
Person A: I helped you with the project.
Person B: I would like to thank you sincerely.
15. Vielen Dank im Voraus! — Thank you in advance!
This phrase is especially handy when you're asking for something and want to express your gratitude in advance.
Example:
Person A: Könnten Sie mir die Unterlagen senden? Vielen Dank im Voraus!
Translation:
Person A: Could you send me the documents? Thank you in advance!
16. Ich bin Ihnen sehr dankbar für… — I am very grateful to you for…
This expression is formal and used to thank someone for something specific they have done. It’s a great way to start a conversation about your gratitude.
Example:
Person A: Ich habe Ihnen bei der Recherche geholfen.
Person B: Ich bin Ihnen sehr dankbar für Ihre Hilfe.
Translation:
Person A: I helped you with the research.
Person B: I am very grateful to you for your help.
17. Besten Dank! — Best thanks!
"Besten Dank!" is another way to say "thank you very much" and is less personal than "Herzlichen Dank." It's frequently used in professional contexts.
Example:
Person A: Ich habe Ihre E-Mail weitergeleitet.
Person B: Besten Dank!
Translation:
Person A: I forwarded your email.
Person B: Best thanks!
18. Herzlichen Dank! — Thank you kindly!
"Herzlichen Dank!" is a sincere way to convey deep appreciation, typically used in more personal or emotional situations.
Example:
Person A: Ich habe dir bei deinem Umzug geholfen.
Person B: Herzlichen Dank!
Translation:
Person A: I helped you move.
Person B: Thank you kindly!
19. Danke für alles! — Thanks for everything!
This phrase is used when you want to thank someone for multiple acts of kindness or help.
Example:
Person A: Ich war die ganze Woche für dich da.
Person B: Danke für alles!
Translation:
Person A: I was there for you all week.
Person B: Thanks for everything!
20. Tausendmal Dank! — A thousand times thanks!
Similar to "Tausend Dank!", this phrase emphasizes extreme gratitude and is used informally.
Example:
Person A: Ich habe dir bei deinem Projekt geholfen.
Person B: Tausendmal Dank!
Translation:
Person A: I helped you with your project.
Person B: A thousand times thanks!
21. Danke dir — Thanks to you!
A casual way to thank someone, "danke dir!" is only used in the informal spoken language.
Example:
Person A: Ich habe das Problem gelöst.
Person B: Danke dir!
Translation:
Person A: I solved the problem.
Person B: Thanks to you!
22. Danke, das ist sehr großzügig von dir/Ihnen! —
Thank you, that is very generous of you!
Use this phrase to thank someone for their generosity in both informal and formal settings.
Example:
Person A: Ich habe dir mein altes Fahrrad geschenkt.
Person B: Danke, das ist sehr großzügig von dir!
Translation:
Person A: I gave you my old bike.
Person B: Thank you, that is very generous of you!
23. Ich weiß das sehr zu schätzen. — I really appreciate that.
This expression shows that you deeply appreciate someone's actions or help.
Example:
Person A: Ich habe Überstunden für dich gemacht.
Person B: Ich weiß das sehr zu schätzen.
Translation:
Person A: I worked overtime for you.
Person B: I really appreciate that.
24. Tausend Dank für deine Unterstützung! — A thousand thanks for your support!
Use this phrase to thank someone for their ongoing support or help.
Example:
Person A: Ich habe dir bei deinen Prüfungen geholfen.
Person B: Tausend Dank für deine Unterstützung!
Translation:
Person A: I helped you with your exams.
Person B: Thanks a million for your support!/A thousand thanks for your support!
25. Ich kann dir/Ihnen nicht genug danken. — I cannot thank you enough.
When someone's help or support has been invaluable, this phrase conveys your deep gratitude. It can be used in the informal and formal German language.
Example:
Person A: Ich habe dir geholfen, deine Arbeit rechtzeitig zu beenden.
Person B: Ich kann dir nicht genug danken.
Translation:
Person A: I helped you finish your work on time.
Person B: I cannot thank you enough.
How to respond to thank you in German?
These are the most typical options to give a response to thank you.
- Gern (you’re welcome)
- Gern geschehen (you’re welcome)
- Bitte sehr (here you go)
FAQ:
Which expression for thank you in German is mostly used?
There are many German words to express thank you in German. It depends on the situation, your preferences and the region. In general the expressions "danke" (thanks) and "vielen Dank" are widly used.
What are the best ways to give a response to thank you in the German language?
Common ways to respond to thank you are these German words:
- Gern (you’re welcome)
- Gern geschehen (you’re welcome)
- Bitte sehr (here you go)
Are there different ways of thank you within the German-speaking countries?
The phrase "Vergelt’s Gott!" is only needed in the south of Germany, and in Austria.
Is "Danke" only needed in the German formal language?
This phrase can also be used in informal German.
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Article by Niko
Published 08 Jun 2024