What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Vielen Dank literally translates to 'many thanks', where vielen is the accusative form of viel (much/many) and Dank is 'thanks'.
Which one should you use?
While Danke is a simple 'thanks', Vielen Dank is more emphatic and carries a higher level of politeness, similar to 'thank you very much' or 'thank you kindly'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For most formal situations, use Vielen Dank. If you want to sound even more warm or formal than Vielen Dank, you can use Herzlichen Dank (heartfelt thanks). In formal contexts, you may also say Ich bin Ihnen sehr dankbar (I'm very grateful to you). If you are speaking with people you know well, use the informal Ich danke dir (sehr) (I thank you (very much)).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, Merci vielmal means 'Thank you very much.'
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Dank is a masculine noun and is the object of an implied verb, the adjective viel must take the '-en' ending to be in the accusative case.
Did you know?
- The word Dank is not just a noun, but its history is linked to an ancient Germanic root *þankaz which also relates to the concept of 'thought'.
- In Switzerland, you will often hear Merci vielmal instead of Vielen Dank, blending French and German.
Examples in context
- Vielen Dank für Ihre HilfeThank you kindly for your help
- Danke vielmals für deine ZeitThanks a lot for your time
- Vielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe.Thank you very much for your help.
- Vielen Dank für das schöne Geschenk.Thank you kindly for the beautiful gift.
- Vielen Dank für die Einladung.Thank you very much for the invitation.
Example conversation
Julian is handing Hannah a book she wanted to borrow.
- JulianHier ist das Buch, Hannah.Here is the book, Hannah.
- HannahVielen Dank, Julian!Thank you so much, Julian!
- JulianGerne geschehen.You are welcome.
- HannahDu bist sehr nett.You are very kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Dank, dank, CC BY-SA 4.0.
