What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means "thanks for your answer". While the word Antwort literally means "answer", it is the standard word used for a "reply" in both spoken and written German.
Which one should you use?
The choice of words depends on whom you are addressing and how much emphasis you wish to add. You can add vielen before Dank to say "many thanks" or "thank you very much", which makes the expression slightly more emphatic and polite.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Germany, you can use danke für deine Antwort or Vielen Dank für deine Rückmeldung (Thank you very much for your feedback). In Switzerland, you may hear Merci vilmal für dini Antwort for "Many thanks for your reply" or I ha mi mega über dini Rückmäudig gfreut to mean "I was extremely pleased about your feedback".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase danke für deine Antwort uses the informal possessive pronoun deine, which is used when addressing one person you know well or are on casual terms with. If you are replying to more than one person whom you address informally, use eure instead of deine, such as in danke für eure Antwort.
Did you know?
- In Switzerland, it is common to use the French word Merci instead of the German danke when expressing thanks for a reply.
- The word Antwort used to be neuter in gender, but it shifted to feminine over time because it is so closely linked to the word Frage ('question'), which is feminine.
- While English uses 'reply' or 'answer', Germans often prefer the word Rückmeldung, which literally means 'back-reporting' or 'feedback'.
Examples in context
- Danke für deine Antwort.Thanks for your reply.This sentence is useful for expressing thanks for a reply.Tatoeba #356631 by MUIRIEL, translation #64012 by CK
- Danke für deine Antwort, das hilft mir sehr.Thanks for your reply, that helps me a lot.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are exchanging messages about a meeting time.
- MaximilianKannst du mir morgen Bescheid geben?Can you let me know tomorrow?
- SarahJa, ich schreibe dir heute Abend.Yes, I will write to you this evening.
- MaximilianDanke für deine Antwort, Sarah.Thanks for your reply, Sarah.
- SarahGerne, Maximilian!You're welcome, Maximilian!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Antwort, danke, für, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
