What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective vielen (many/much) and the noun Dank (thanks/gratitude).
Which one should you use?
While vielen Dank is a common way to say "thanks a lot", Danke schön is a slightly more standard, polite way to say "thank you very much".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal settings, you might use Vielen Dank to mean "Thank you very much", Ganz herzlichen Dank for "Many heartfelt thanks", Ich danke Ihnen sehr for "I thank you very much" or Ich bin Ihnen sehr verbunden for "I am very grateful to you". In written correspondence, Besten Dank is a more formal alternative. For informal situations, you can say Tausend Dank (meaning "Thanks a thousand times") or Vielen lieben Dank (which literally means "many dear thanks").
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, the colloquial expression Danke dir vielmals is used to say thanks a lot.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase vielen Dank, the word vielen uses the accusative masculine ending because it modifies the direct object Dank in an elliptical construction equivalent to "Ich sage Ihnen vielen Dank".
When do people say it?
A common and natural response to vielen Dank is Gerne!, which means "With pleasure!" or "You're welcome!"
Did you know?
- While vielen Dank is polite, saying Danke in response to an offer of more food or drink often means 'no thank you' in German culture.
- The word Dank comes from the Proto-Germanic root *þankaz. This shows that the concept of 'thanks' is one of the oldest shared linguistic structures in the Germanic language family.
- Even though the English 'thanks' is plural, the German Dank in vielen Dank is a singular noun. This is because the phrase is a shortened version of 'Ich sage Ihnen vielen Dank', where 'Dank' is a single object of gratitude.
Examples in context
- Vielen Dank für den Rat.Thanks a lot for the advice.This sentence is useful for expressing thanks for advice.Tatoeba #11958612 by Naina, translation #4055074 by soobee620
- Vielen Dank für deine Hilfe.Thanks a lot for your help.This sentence is useful for expressing thanks for help.Tatoeba #1292332 by Esperantostern, translation #1492037 by CK
- Vielen Dank für Ihre Hinweise!Thanks a lot for your tips!This sentence is useful for expressing thanks for tips.Tatoeba #2052911 by Tamy, translation #2052918 by Eldad
- Vielen Dank für Ihre wertvollen Beiträge zur Besprechung.Thank you very much for your valuable contributions to the meeting.
- Ganz herzlichen Dank für Ihre Zusammenarbeit und das entgegengebrachte Vertrauen.Many heartfelt thanks for your cooperation and the trust you have placed in us.
- Vielen lieben Dank für das wundervolle Geschenk!Thanks a lot for the wonderful gift!
- Danke vielmals für die Einladung!Thanks a bunch for the invitation!
- Aber natürlich! Vielen Dank!Of course! Thank you very much!
- Wie lecker! Vielen lieben Dank!How delicious! Thanks a lot!
- Herzlichen Dank für das tolle Feedback!Many thanks for the great feedback!
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian has just helped Sarah carry heavy grocery bags into her house.
- SarahVielen Dank für die Hilfe!Thanks a lot for the help!
- MaximilianGerne geschehen, Sarah.You're welcome, Sarah.
- SarahDas war wirklich sehr nett von dir.That was really very kind of you.
- MaximilianKein Problem, wir können uns gegenseitig helfen.No problem, we can help each other.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vielen Dank, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Dank, dank, vielen Dank, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
