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Saying "Thank you" in German


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.

  1. Danke! (DAHNK-uh) Thanks! Thank you.
    (also "No thanks" - See note below)
  2. Danke schön!* (DAHNK-uh shoon) Thank you! 
  3. Tausend Dank! (TAU-zent DAHNK) A thousand thanks! Thanks very much!
  4. Danke vielmals! (DAHNK-uh FEEL-malls) Many thanks!
  5. Recht schönen Dank! (RECHT shoon-en DAHNK) Many thanks!
  6. Ich danke Ihnen/dir! (eech DAHNK-uh EEH-nun / DEAR) I thank you!
  7. Ich bin (Ihnen/dir) sehr dankbar für... (eek bin DAHNK-bar fe-ur) I'm very grateful (to you) for...
  8. Haben Sie vielen Dank! (HAH-ben zee FEEL-en DAHNK) Many thanks!
  9. Vielen Dank!** (FEEL-en DAHNK) Many thanks! 
  10. 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

*Note: If you say "Danke!" in response to an offer, it may be understood as "no thanks." To say "thanks, yes" use "Bitte!" (please).