Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| zu schätzen wissen | /t͡suː ˈʃɛtsn̩ ˈvɪsn̩/ (standard, word by word) |
| würdigen | /ˈvʏʁdɪɡn̩/ |
In German, the choice of word depends on whether you are appreciating the value of a thing or acknowledging an action. Use zu schätzen wissen when you are grateful for a situation, a quality or a benefit, such as a good job or peace. Use würdigen when you want to recognize or honor a specific deed, effort or achievement.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase zu schätzen wissen literally translates to 'to know how to value' or 'to know how to estimate'.
Which one should you use?
Use zu schätzen wissen to express that you appreciate the value or importance of something. In contrast, use würdigen when you want to acknowledge or honor a specific action or effort, similar to 'to recognize'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase zu schätzen wissen functions as a verbal unit where wissen is the conjugated verb and zu schätzen is the infinitive construction.
How do you pronounce it?
/tsuː ˈʃɛtsn̩ ˈvɪsn̩/
When do people say it?
If you wish to express gratitude in different social settings, you might use Vielen Dank or Herzlichen Dank for formal situations. For informal settings, Vielen lieben Dank adds a touch of affection, while Ich bin dir dankbar serves as a more personal way to express that you are grateful to someone.
Did you know?
- In German, schätzen is also the standard word used when you are making a guess or an estimate about a number.
- The word schätzen is etymologically connected to the German word Schatz, which means 'treasure'.
- Using zu schätzen wissen can sometimes imply that the person being thanked has done something that others might have overlooked.
Examples in context
- Tom wusste es nicht zu würdigen.Tom didn't appreciate that.This sentence illustrates a failure to recognize or honor something using würdigen.Tatoeba #10148831 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10148760 by CK
- Ich würde das zu schätzen wissen.I'd appreciate that.This sentence shows how to express appreciation for something using zu schätzen wissen.Tatoeba #2506975 by Zaghawa, translation #2247647 by CK
- Gerade du solltest das zu schätzen wissen.You of all people should appreciate that.This sentence demonstrates emphasizing a specific person's duty to appreciate something using zu schätzen wissen.Tatoeba #3713103 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2954664 by CK
- Vielen Dank für Ihre UnterstützungThank you very much for your support
- Ich danke Ihnen für Ihre BemühungenI thank you for your efforts
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura thanks Lukas for helping her with a heavy suitcase.
- LauraDanke für deine Hilfe, Lukas!Thanks for your help, Lukas!
- LukasKein Problem, das mache ich gerne.No problem, I'm happy to do it.
- LauraIch weiß deine Unterstützung wirklich zu schätzen wissen.I really appreciate your support.
- LukasDas ist sehr lieb von dir.That is very sweet of you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “appreciate” translations and entries zu schätzen wissen, würdigen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (zu, schätzen, wissen) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries schätzen, wissen, würdigen, zu, zu schätzen wissen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
