danke für die Einladung
In German, 'thank you for having me' is expressed as danke für die Einladung.
While English uses the continuous form 'having me', German uses the noun Einladung (invitation) to express the same sentiment.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase translates literally to 'thanks for the invitation'.
Which one should you use?
Using Vielen Dank für die Einladung instead of danke für die Einladung makes the expression more formal and polite.
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition für always requires the accusative case, which is why die Einladung remains in its standard feminine accusative form.
Did you know?
- The word Einladung comes from the verb einladen, which literally means 'to load in', as if the guest is being loaded into a house or event.
- If you are leaving a party, Germans often say danke für die Einladung as a parting phrase rather than just saying 'goodbye'.
- While danke seems like a simple word, it is actually a shortened version of the full sentence ich danke dir, meaning 'I thank you'.
Examples in context
- Danke für die Einladung zu Ihrer Party.Thank you for the invitation to your party.
- Danke für die Einladung, es war sehr schön.Thank you for the invitation, it was very nice.
Example conversation
Felix is leaving Sarah's house after a dinner party.
- FelixEs war ein toller Abend, danke für die Einladung!It was a great evening, thank you for the invitation!
- SarahGerne geschehen, Felix. Es hat mich gefreut.You're welcome, Felix. It was a pleasure.
- FelixWir sehen uns bald wieder.We will see each other again soon.
- SarahJa, komm bald wieder vorbei!Yes, come visit again soon!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Einladung, danke, die, für, CC BY-SA 4.0.
