bedankt voor het cadeau
/bəˈdɑŋkt voːr (ɦ)ət kaːˈdoː/word by word
The English phrase "thank you for the gift" is expressed in Dutch as bedankt voor het cadeau.
This phrase is used to express gratitude to someone who has given you a present.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bedankt (thanks), voor (for), het (the) and cadeau (gift).
Which one should you use?
You can use bedankt voor het presentje to sound more casual and affectionate, as adding the diminutive suffix -je to the word for gift makes it sound like "the little gift".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using dank u wel voor het cadeau is more formal and polite, which is appropriate when addressing elders or strangers. For a more casual and affectionate tone, you may use bedankt voor het presentje.
How do you pronounce it?
/bəˈdɑŋkt voːr (ɦ)ət kaːˈdoː/
Did you know?
- While cadeau is common, the word geschenk is also used, though it often carries a more formal or spiritual weight, such as a 'gift' from God.
- The word cadeau is actually a French loanword. While Dutch has its own Germanic words for gifts, using this French-inspired term is very common in modern Dutch.
- The word bedankt is the past participle of bedanken, meaning the phrase literally functions as saying 'I have thanked you'.
Examples in context
- Hartelijk dank voor de mooie attentie.Thank you very much for the lovely present.
- Dank je wel voor het cadeau, ik vind het super!Thank you for the gift, I really love it!
- Bedankt voor het cadeau, het is heel mooi.Thank you for the gift, it is very beautiful.
Example conversation
Emma gives Noah a book for his birthday.
- NoahWat een mooi boek!What a beautiful book!
- EmmaGraag gedaan, Noah.You're welcome, Noah.
- NoahBedankt voor het cadeau!Thank you for the gift!
- EmmaGeen dank, geniet ervan!No problem, enjoy it!
