Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| gern geschehen | /ɡɛrn ɡəˈʃeːən/ /-ɡəˈʃeːn/ |
| mit Vergnügen | |
| nichts zu danken | |
| keine Ursache | /ˈkaɪ̯nə ˈuːɐ̯ˌzaxə/ (word by word) |
| bitte | /ˈbɪtə/ |
The phrases are used as polite reactions to receiving thanks. Gern geschehen is the most natural and common way to express 'my pleasure' in everyday German conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase gern geschehen literally translates to 'happily happened' or 'done gladly'.
Which one should you use?
While gern geschehen is a standard response to thanks, mit Vergnügen means 'with pleasure' or 'with delight' and is more literal. It is often used when accepting an invitation or performing a specific task with enthusiasm. For a more humble tone, nichts zu danken can be used, which is similar to saying 'don't mention it' or 'there is no need to thank me'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For informal settings, gern geschehen is a perfect choice. If you wish to be more formal, you can use mit Vergnügen, keine Ursache (which is a standard way to say 'no cause for thanks') or the phrase Es war mir eine Freude, which means 'It was a pleasure for me'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡɛrn ɡəˈʃeːən/
Did you know?
- The word Vergnügen is derived from the word 'genug', meaning 'enough', implying that 'pleasure' is a state of being sufficiently satisfied.
- The phrase keine Ursache can be understood as saying 'there is no cause' for the thanks, which is a more logical, almost scientific way of dismissing gratitude than the English 'don't mention it'.
- While bitte is used as 'my pleasure' here, it is the same word used to say 'please', making it one of the most versatile social lubricants in the German language.
Examples in context
- Gern geschehen!My pleasure.This sentence shows a simple way to say 'My pleasure.' using gern geschehen.Tatoeba #2161786 by freddy1, translation #2701763 by shekitten
- "Danke für deine Hilfe." "Bitte, habe ich gerne gemacht.""Thanks for your help." "Don't mention it. It was my pleasure."This example shows how to use bitte to respond to a thank you in a way that means 'Don't mention it. It was my pleasure.'Tatoeba #1983341 by Alois, translation #10849061 by sundown
- Es war mir eine Freude, Ihnen behilflich sein zu können.It was a pleasure for me to assist you.
- Gern geschehen! Ich stehe Ihnen gerne zur Verfügung.You're welcome! I'm happy to assist you.
- Mit Vergnügen helfe ich Ihnen weiter.I will gladly assist you.
- Keine Ursache!You're welcome!
Example conversation
A neighbor helps Laura with her heavy groceries.
- LauraVielen Dank für die Hilfe!Thank you very much for the help!
- MaximilianGern geschehen!My pleasure!
- LauraDu bist sehr nett, Maximilian.You are very kind, Maximilian.
- MaximilianKeine Ursache.Don't mention it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “my pleasure” translations and entries gern geschehen, keine Ursache, bitte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (keine, Ursache) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Vergnügen, gern, gern geschehen, geschehen, mit, nichts, vergnügen, zu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
