danke für Ihre Zeit
“Thank you for your time” in German is danke für Ihre Zeit.
This phrase is a polite expression used to show gratitude to someone for spending time listening to or helping you.
Which one should you use?
In professional settings, Germans often prefer to thank someone for the Gespräch (conversation) rather than the abstract concept of Zeit (time). For example, you might say Vielen Dank für das Gespräch to mean “Thank you very much for the conversation”.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria, some locals might use the phrase Vergelt's Gott to say “Thank you”.
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to someone you know well or use the informal du with, the phrase changes from Ihre Zeit to deine Zeit. Additionally, adding vielen before Dank makes the expression of gratitude stronger and more formal.
Did you know?
- The German word Zeit is a cognate of the English word 'tide'. While 'tide' now refers to the ocean, it originally meant 'time' in Old English.
- In certain religious or traditional contexts in Bavaria, a person might respond to a favor not with danke, but with Vergelt's Gott, which literally asks God to reward the giver.
Example conversation
Felix is finishing a job interview with Sarah.
- FelixDas war alles, danke für Ihre Zeit.That was all, thank you for your time.
- SarahGern geschehen, Herr Felix.You are welcome, Mr. Felix.
- FelixIch freue mich auf Ihre Antwort.I look forward to your answer.
- SarahWir melden uns bald bei Ihnen.We will get back to you soon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Zeit, danke, für, zeit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
