Dank u
formal, Flanders
In Flanders you say Dank u to thank someone politely and dank je to a friend. Merci is also very common in everyday Flemish.
Meaning: expression of gratitude (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | Note |
|---|---|
| Dank u | formal, Flanders |
| Dank je | informal |
| Merci | casual, Flanders |
Dank u wel and dank je wel are the fuller forms that mean "thank you very much". In shops and cafés you often hear merci instead.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Use u with strangers, older people and in formal situations. Je is for friends, family and people your age.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Merci is a French borrowing that sounds natural in Flanders. In the Netherlands, bedankt and dank je wel are heard more.
Did you know?
- Graag gedaan is the standard reply to thanks and literally means "gladly done".
Examples in context
- Dank u voor de hulp.Thank you for the help.
- Dank je wel, dat is lief.Thank you, that is kind.
- Merci, tot morgen!Thanks, see you tomorrow!
Example conversation
Tine helps an elderly man, Meneer Claes, carry bags at a tram stop in Antwerp.
- TineZal ik uw tassen dragen?Shall I carry your bags?
- Meneer ClaesGraag, dank u wel.Gladly, thank you very much.
- TineGraag gedaan.You are welcome.
