Dank u wel
/ˌdɑŋk y ˈʋɛl/
The English phrase 'thank you formally' is Dank u wel in Dutch.
Dank u wel is a common way to say thank you formally in Dutch. Other ways to express gratitude include Hartelijk dank, which translates to "heartfelt thanks" and the informal Bedankt or the casual Dank je wel.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Dank u wel translates to "Thank you well".
Which one should you use?
While Dank u wel uses the formal u, the version Dank je wel is the informal version used with friends or family. Additionally, Dank u is a shorter and slightly more direct formal version of Dank u wel.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Dank u wel is the standard way to express gratitude in formal settings or when addressing someone with respect.
When do people say it?
A common response to Dank u wel is Graag gedaan, which literally means "Done with pleasure".
Did you know?
- The formal word u developed from a shortened version of uwe edelheid, which means 'your nobility' or 'your gentility'.
- In the Netherlands and Flanders, switching from u to je during a conversation is a social signal that the relationship has become more personal.
- While Dank u wel is standard, using it too frequently in a casual setting can make the speaker sound stiff or ironically distant.
Examples in context
- Dank u wel voor uw hulp.Thank you for your help.
- Hartelijk dank voor de uitnodiging.Heartfelt thanks for the invitation.
- Zeer bedankt voor uw tijd en aandacht.Thank you very much for your time and attention.
- Dank u wel voor de hulp.Thank you very much for the help.
- Dank u wel voor het cadeau.Thank you very much for the gift.
- Dank u wel voor uw tijd.Thank you very much for your time.
Example conversation
Lisa is paying for a coffee at a cafe.
- LisaAlstublieft, hier is uw koffie.Here you go, here is your coffee.
- DaanDank u wel!Thank you very much!
- LisaGraag gedaan, mevrouw Lisa.You are welcome, Ms. Lisa.
- DaanFijne dag nog, Daan.Have a nice day, Daan.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry dank u wel.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dank, u, wel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
