Curious about how to say thank you in German? Start learning German with our guide! We’ve got you covered with 14 ways to express gratitude in German. Whether you’re planning a visit, learning the language, or just looking to boost your vocabulary, these phrases will be useful in different situations. 

Let’s explore the German language together and discover the various ways to say thank you!

1. Thank you very much (“Danke schön”)

A bit more formal than just saying “thank you,” the phrase “danke schön” is used to express gratitude more deeply. You can use it when someone does something nice for you or when you simply want to be polite.

It fits well in various situations where you want to convey an extra level of appreciation. Did your dad pass you the butter at the dinner table? Danke schön! Did the cashier hand you your change at the store? Danke schön!

• Example: Wie spät ist es? – Es ist 17 Uhr. – Danke schön!
• Translation: What time is it? – It’s 5 o’clock. – Thank you very much!

In terms of grammar, “danke schön” functions as a complete sentence and is not typically used to thank someone for a specific action (e.g., “thank you very much for…”). We’ll cover how to express gratitude for something specific in a later section.

2. Thank you very much (“Danke sehr”)

“Danke sehr” is quite similar to “danke schön” in its usage. It can be employed in various everyday situations, both formal and informal, when you want to express a more courteous “thank you.” Although slightly more formal than “danke schön,” you can generally use both phrases interchangeably in informal settings.

Did you accidentally drop something and someone kindly picks it up for you? Danke sehr! Did the delivery person bring you the pizza you ordered half an hour ago? Danke sehr!

• Example: Wo ist das Badezimmer? – Hinten links. – Danke sehr!
• Translation: Where is the bathroom? – In the back on the left. – Thank you very much!

3. Many thanks (“Vielen Dank”)

Many thanks (“Vielen Dank”) is like saying “thank you very much,” but it’s a more heartfelt way of expressing gratitude. You might use it when someone gives you a gift or in the phrase “Many thanks for everything!” to show sincere appreciation.

• Example: Vielen Dank für die Blumen. Vielen Dank, wie lieb von dir!
• Translation: Many thanks for the flowers. Thank you so much, how sweet of you!

4. Thank you for…(“Danke für”)

Thank you for…” is a common expression in German, known as “Danke für…” It’s used in various situations, both formal and informal, when you want to express gratitude for something specific, such as a gift or a service. You don’t need to be fluent in German to use this phrase; just knowing these few words can help you show appreciation.

• Example: Danke für das Geschenk! Das ist genau, was ich wollte.
• Translation: Thank you for the present! It’s exactly what I wanted.

5. Thank you kindly (“Herzlichen Dank”)

“Herzlichen Dank” means “Thank you kindly” in German. This phrase adds a heartfelt touch to your gratitude because “Herz” means “heart” in German. Using “Herzlichen Dank” lets the other person know that your thanks come from the heart and are not just a formality. In written form, some people replace the first four letters of the phrase with an actual heart, like this: “❤️lichen Dank!”

• Example: Herzlichen Dank für deine Unterstützung!
• Translation: Thank you very much for your support!

6. Thank you very much (“Besten Dank”)

“Besten Dank” translates to “Thank you very much” in German. If you want to express gratitude without being overly emotional, this phrase is a good choice. It essentially means offering the best of thanks for something, maintaining a level of appreciation without an excessively heartfelt tone.

• Example: Besten Dank für Ihr Verständnis!
• Translation: Thank you very much for your understanding!

7. I give you my thanks (“Ich danke Ihnen”)

“Ich danke Ihnen” translates to “I give you my thanks” in English. This phrase is a formal way to express gratitude, typically used when you want to be extra polite or show respect to someone, especially in situations where you may not know the person well. 

For instance, it might be used with an older relative or a work colleague. If you’re talking to a friend, a more informal version would be “Ich danke dir.”

• Example: Ich danke Ihnen für Ihre Hilfe! Ohne Sie hätte ich es nicht geschafft.
• Translation: I thank you for your help! I could not have done it without you.

8. I am very grateful for you (“Ich bin Ihnen sehr dankbar”)

“Ich bin Ihnen sehr dankbar” translates to “I am very grateful for you” in English. This phrase can be used formally or informally, depending on the pronoun:

• Formal: “Ich bin Ihnen sehr dankbar”
• Informal: “Ich bin dir sehr dankbar”

It’s suitable for more personal situations where you genuinely feel a deep sense of gratitude towards the other person. The phrase also implies the potential for further conversation, providing an opportunity to explain the reasons behind your gratitude.

• Example: Ich bin Ihnen sehr dankbar für alles, was Sie gestern für mich getan haben. Das war nicht selbstverständlich und ich weiß das sehr zu schätzen.
• Translation: I am very grateful for everything you did for me yesterday. You didn’t have to do that, and I appreciate it very much.
  

9. Thank you, that’s very kind of you (“Danke, sehr aufmerksam”)

“Danke, sehr aufmerksam” translates to “Thank you, that’s very kind of you” in English. This expression is used when you want to express gratitude to someone who took the initiative to do something for you, making your life easier. You can also use the phrase “sehr aufmerksam” on its own, with or without saying “danke” first, to convey appreciation for their thoughtfulness.

• Example: Your friend helps you clean up the dishes after a dinner party without being asked. Danke, sehr aufmerksam!
• Translation: Thank you, that’s very kind!

10. A thousand thanks (“Tausend Dank”)

“Tausend Dank” translates to “A thousand thanks” in English. This phrase is the equivalent of “thanks a million.” It’s commonly used informally with friends or acquaintances to express gratitude when they’ve helped you out, such as covering your shift at work or taking you to the grocery store when your car was in the repair shop. It’s a heartfelt way to convey your appreciation for their assistance.

• Example: Tausend Dank für deine Hilfe! Menschen wie dich gibt es nicht so oft.
• Translation: A thousand thanks for your help! There are not many people like you.

11. Thank you, you, too (“Danke, gleichfalls”)

“Danke, gleichfalls” translates to “Thank you, you, too” in English. This phrase is used when someone wishes you well, is kind, or encourages you, and you want to reciprocate their kindness. It can be used in both formal and informal situations. For instance, if a friend wishes you luck before an exam, you can thank them and wish them luck in return by saying “Danke, gleichfalls!”

• Example: Your whole family gets together for Sunday lunch and your dad says: – Guten Appetit! Everyone else would reply: Danke, gleichfalls!
• Translation: Enjoy your food! – Thank you, you too!

12. Vielen Dank im Voraus (“Thank you in advance”)

“Vielen Dank im Voraus” translates to “Thank you in advance” in English. This phrase is utilized to express gratitude for something that has not yet occurred. It is exclusively used in written communication, particularly in formal letters and emails addressed to authorities, teachers, or individuals of higher status.

By using this expression, you are conveying appreciation for something anticipated in the future, such as their attention to an important matter, their efforts, or an expected response.

• Example: Über eine Einladung zum Bewerbungsgespräch würde ich mich freuen. Vielen Dank im Voraus!
• Translation: I would appreciate an invitation to the interview. Many thanks in advance!

13. I cannot thank you enough (“Ich kann dir gar nicht genug danken”)

“I cannot thank you enough” is the English equivalent of “Ich kann dir gar nicht genug danken” in German. This expression is used when someone has made a significant impact in your life through their help, work, or support, and you feel overwhelming gratitude towards them.

For instance, if a friend with work connections helped you secure the job you’ve always wanted, you might say, “I cannot thank you enough!” Similarly, if a doctor saved your loved one’s life after a serious accident, you might express, “I cannot thank you enough!” The phrase is versatile and can be used in various situations where profound appreciation is warranted.

• Example: Dank dir kann ich endlich wieder Geld verdienen. Ich kann dir gar nicht genug danken!
• Translation: Thanks to you, I can finally earn money again. I cannot thank you enough!

14. You didn’t have to do that (“Das wäre doch nicht nötig gewesen”)

“You didn’t have to do that” is the English equivalent of “Das wäre doch nicht nötig gewesen” in German. This phrase is used when someone does something for you or gives you something unexpectedly. 

For example, if you receive a surprise gift from a loved one or a neighbor you don’t know well shovels your walkway after a snowstorm, you can use this expression to not only express your thanks but also to convey that you appreciate their gesture.

• Example: You are inviting friends over for dinner and one of them brings a bottle of wine. – Ohh, das wäre doch nicht nötig gewesen.
• Translation: Aww, you didn’t have to do that.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you’ve learned some of the most common ways to say “thank you” in the German language. Expressing gratitude is essential in any language, and being familiar with both informal and formal ways of thanking someone helps you navigate various situations. Whether it’s a casual conversation or a more formal setting, having these expressions at your disposal ensures you’re ready to convey your appreciation appropriately.