What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "heartfelt thanks", where hartelijk is the adjective form of hart (heart).
Which one should you use?
While hartelijk dank is more formal and emphasizes the depth of gratitude, bedankt is a more common, neutral and shorter way to say "thanks".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
hartelijk dank is a formal expression. Other formal options include Dank u zeer, which expresses deep gratitude and Mijn oprechte dank, which is a formal and personal way to communicate a genuine thank you. For informal situations, you can use bedankt, Heel erg bedankt to express a higher level of gratitude, dank je wel for a general thank you or Super bedankt to convey a strong sense of gratitude.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Flanders, the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium, people may use Merci interchangeably with dank u.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing thanks for a specific thing, use the preposition voor immediately after hartelijk dank (e.g., hartelijk dank voor…).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɦɑrtələk dɑŋk/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Hartelijk dank voor uw inspanningen.Many thanks for your efforts.This sentence is useful for expressing gratitude for someone's efforts using hartelijk dank.Tatoeba #7115608 by Micsmithel, translation #12476554 by sundown
- Hartelijk dank.Many thanks.This is a simple way to say many thanks using hartelijk dank.Tatoeba #7898851 by MarijnKp, translation #322178 by CK
- Hartelijk dank voor uw hulpMany thanks for your help
- Dank u zeer voor uw gastvrijheidThank you very much for your hospitality
- Mijn oprechte dank voor uw aandachtMy sincere thanks for your attention
- Bedankt voor je hulpThanks for your help
- Heel erg bedankt voor het cadeauThank you very much for the gift
- Super bedankt voor de leuke avondThanks a lot for the great evening
- Hartelijk dank voor het mooie cadeau.Many thanks for the beautiful gift.
Example conversation
Levi gives Julia a bouquet of flowers.
- JuliaWat een prachtige bloemen, Levi!What beautiful flowers, Levi!
- LeviGraag gedaan, Julia.You're welcome, Julia.
- JuliaHartelijk dank voor deze verrassing.Many thanks for this surprise.
- LeviIk ben blij dat je ervan geniet.I am glad you enjoy them.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (hartelijk, dank) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dank, hartelijk, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
