When visiting Austria or interacting with Austrian German speakers, it’s important to know how to express gratitude. Saying thank you can go a long way in showing appreciation and respecting the local culture. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to say thank you in Austrian German, including formal and informal expressions. While there are regional variations in the language, we’ll primarily focus on common phrases that can be used across Austria.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions:
When addressing someone older or in a more official setting, it’s best to use formal expressions. Here are some common ways to say thank you formally in Austrian German:
1. Vielen Dank.
Literally translating to “Many thanks,” this phrase is a safe and widely-used option to express gratitude in a formal manner.Example:
Person 1: Können Sie mir bitte helfen?
Person 2: Ja, natürlich. Vielen Dank! (Can you please help me?
Person 2: Yes, of course. Many thanks!)
2. Ich danke Ihnen.
This phrase directly translates to “I thank you” and is an appropriate way to thank someone formally.Example:
Person 1: Das Essen sieht köstlich aus!
Person 2: Vielen Dank, ich habe es selbst zubereitet. (The food looks delicious! Person 2: Thank you, I prepared it myself.)
2. Informal Expressions:
When speaking to friends, family, or people of the same age, informal expressions are commonly used to say thank you. Here are some informal phrases that can be used in Austrian German:
3. Danke.
The word “Danke” is the informal equivalent of “Thank you” and is a widely-used expression in Austrian German.Example:
Person 1: Hast du mir bitte deine Telefonnummer? (Can you please give me your phone number?)
Person 2: Ja, klar. Danke! (Sure, here it is. Thanks!)
4. Danke schön.
This phrase, meaning “Thank you very much” in English, conveys a higher level of appreciation in an informal context.Example:
Person 1: Ich habe dir ein Geschenk gekauft.
Person 2: Oh, danke schön! Das ist wirklich nett von dir. (I bought you a gift.
Person 2: Oh, thank you very much! That’s really kind of you.)
3. Other Expressions:
Apart from the formal and informal expressions mentioned above, there are a few other ways to say thank you in Austrian German, depending on the context:
- 5. Dankeschön.
Similar to “Danke schön,” this term is a slightly more emphatic way of conveying gratitude in a friendly manner. - 6. Herzlichen Dank.
Literally meaning “heartfelt thanks,” this phrase signifies a deeper level of appreciation and is more commonly used in formal situations or when expressing immense gratitude. - 7. Ich bin Ihnen dankbar.
This expression translates to “I am grateful to you” and is often used when expressing gratitude for someone’s help or assistance in a formal setting.
Regional Variations:
Austria consists of various regions, each having its own unique dialects and variations of Austrian German. While the above-mentioned phrases are generally understood across the country, it’s worth noting a few regional variations:
8. “Vergelt’s Gott” in Southern Austria:
In regions like Styria and Carinthia, it’s common to hear the phrase “Vergelt’s Gott” used to express gratitude. It’s a unique term that literally means “may God repay you” and is common in these areas.
Example:
Person 1: Du hast ein tolles Werk geleistet! (You’ve done a great job!)
Person 2: Vergelt’s Gott! Es hat Spaß gemacht. (Thank you! It was fun.)
Remember, these regional variations might not be widely understood outside of their respective areas, so it’s best to stick to the more common expressions mentioned earlier when in doubt.
Conclusion:
Now that you are equipped with various ways to say thank you in Austrian German, both formally and informally, use these phrases to express your gratitude and show respect to the locals during your visit or interactions in Austria. Remember, a genuine “thank you” can help build positive relationships and leave a lasting impression.
