danke
[ˈdaŋkə]
The English phrase "thanks" is expressed in German as danke.
danke is used to express appreciation or gratitude. Related to this, the noun Dank can refer to an expression of gratitude or grateful feelings, while Danksagung specifically refers to an expression of gratitude.
Meaning: used to express appreciation or gratitude (intj)
Which one should you use?
While danke is the standard way to say thanks, you can use more emphatic and polite variations to show more appreciation. vielen Dank means "many thanks" or "thank you very much", while danke schön means "thank you very much" or "thank you kindly". For a slightly more formal touch, you can also use danke sehr, which translates to "thank you very much".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Vienna, you might hear the variations Dangge or Merci. In the region of Styria, people occasionally use Grazie instead of danke to show their appreciation.
Related words
When do people say it?
The standard response to danke is bitte (you're welcome).
Did you know?
- In Germany, saying danke when offered a second helping of food or a drink can actually be a polite way to say 'no thanks'. The context and a slight shake of the head signal the refusal.
- The word bitte is so versatile that it can be used as a question to mean 'pardon?' or 'I beg your pardon?' when someone didn't hear what was said.
- When using danke schön to say 'thank you very much', the word schön literally translates to 'beautiful' or 'lovely'.
Examples in context
- Danke für den Rat!Thanks for the advice.This sentence shows how to use danke when thanking someone for advice.Tatoeba #1836215 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1836198 by Spamster
- Danke für den Tipp!Thanks for the hint.This sentence shows how to use danke when thanking someone for a hint.Tatoeba #3003010 by pne, translation #1832186 by Spamster
- Danke für den Kuss!Thanks for the kiss.This sentence shows how to use danke when thanking someone for a kiss.Tatoeba #3351654 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3347612 by Hybrid
- 519 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are at a cafe.
- FelixHier ist dein Kaffee, Laura.Here is your coffee, Laura.
- LauraOh, danke, Felix!Oh, thanks, Felix!
- FelixGerne geschehen.You're welcome.
- LauraEr schmeckt sehr gut.It tastes very good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thanks” translations and entries danke, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
