Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| dank je | /ˈdɑŋk jə/ | |
| dank u | /ˈdɑŋky/ | formal |
These phrases are used to express gratitude. Adding the word wel to the end, as in dank je wel, makes the expression more emphatic, similar to saying 'thank you very much'. For a higher level of gratitude in formal settings, you can use Hartelijk dank. In very informal settings among friends or acquaintances, you might say Bedankt hoor. to add emphasis.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase dank je is composed of the verb dank (thank) and the pronoun je (you).
Which one should you use?
dank je is the informal way to say thank you, whereas dank u is the formal version. For a standard and polite way to address one person, you can use Dank u wel.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Use dank je when speaking to friends, family or people your own age. Use dank u when speaking to elders, strangers or in professional settings to show respect.
How does it change in a sentence?
The formal version dank u uses the polite pronoun u instead of the informal pronoun je.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdɑŋk jə/
When do people say it?
In Dutch culture, it is customary to say dank je wel when someone holds the door for you. When someone thanks you, a common response is geen dank, which literally means 'no thanks [needed]'. You can also respond with Graag gedaan!, which means 'You're welcome!'
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Dank je wel, Tom.Thank you, Tom.This sentence shows how to use dank je when thanking a person by name.Tatoeba #11779284 by Ag12x, translation #7733948 by CK
- Ik ben oké, dank je.I'm fine, thank you.This sentence demonstrates using dank je to say you are fine.Tatoeba #1108634 by megamanenm, translation #65115 by CM
- "Dank u." "Geen dank.""Thank you." "You're welcome."This example shows the formal dank u and the response geen dank.Tatoeba #6572950 by Micsmithel, translation #2077 by Swift
- 61 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma gives Noah a cup of coffee at the office.
- EmmaHier is je koffie, Noah.Here is your coffee, Noah.
- NoahDank je, Emma.Thank you, Emma.
- EmmaGraag gedaan!You're welcome!
- NoahHet is erg lekker.It is very tasty.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thank you” translations and entries dank je, dank u, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dank, u, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
