bedanken
To thank in Dutch is to say bedanken.
The verb bedanken means to express gratitude to someone for something they have done. However, in daily conversation, Dutch speakers typically use the phrases dank je or dank u to say 'thank you' rather than the verb bedanken. You can also use the phrase heel erg bedankt to mean 'very much thank you'.
Which one should you use?
While bedanken is the infinitive verb, the word bedankt is the form most commonly used as a standalone expression of gratitude, equivalent to 'thanks'. For more common daily expressions, use dank je or dank u instead of the verb.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of the Netherlands, especially in the southern provinces close to the Belgian border, merci is used informally to say thank you.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word bedankt can function as an adjective or participle equivalent to 'thanks' or 'thanked'.
Did you know?
- The root of danken is actually related to the English word 'think'. Both come from an ancient Germanic source that meant to hold someone in one's mind or to remember them.
- In the Netherlands, saying dank je while avoiding eye contact can be perceived as insincere, as a brief moment of eye contact is the cultural standard for confirming gratitude.
- If you want to be exceptionally polite, you can say dank u wel instead of just dank u. Adding wel is like saying 'thank you indeed' and makes the gratitude feel more complete and sincere.
Examples in context
- Dank u wel voor het openhouden van de deurThank you for holding the door open
- Bedankt! Ik ben er erg blij meeThanks! I'm really happy with it
- Hartelijk dank voor je hulp bij het projectThank you very much for your help with the project
- Ik wil je graag bedanken voor je hulp.I would like to thank you for your help.
- Ik wil de organisatie hartelijk bedanken.I want to thank the organization sincerely.
Example conversation
Sophie and Daan are at a cafe.
- SophieDaan, ik wil je bedanken voor het etentje.Daan, I want to thank you for the dinner.
- DaanGeen probleem, Sophie. Het was erg gezellig.No problem, Sophie. It was very cozy.
- SophieHet eten was echt heerlijk.The food was really delicious.
- DaanIk ben blij dat het smaakte!I am glad you liked it!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bedanken, CC BY-SA 4.0.
