How to Say Thank You in German

Thank You Does Not Change with Formality

Vielen Dank can be used with shop staff, a taxi driver or a stranger when asking for directions.

Why Not Simply Danke

Danke is the shorter and more commonly used word. However there is one difficult nuance when saying only Danke. When something is being offered rather than given, danke on its own is usually understood as a polite refusal. A waiter holding a bottle over your glass will understand it as "no thank you". Vielen Dank is easier to use correctly for all situations.

The Usual Reply to Thanks

The usual reply is bitte, or bitte schön, which means "you're welcome". Gern geschehen, "gladly done", is a little warmer and equally common.

• Danke

  DAHN-kuh

  The everyday word, and the one heard most. Safe for a service already given, though on its own it can decline an offer.

• Danke schön

  DAHN-kuh SHURN

  Thank you kindly. Warm, everyday, and very often heard in shops.

• Herzlichen Dank

  HERTS-likh-en DAHNK

  Heartfelt thanks, for real kindness rather than routine service.

• Tausend Dank

  TOW-zent DAHNK

  A thousand thanks. Informal and affectionate, best with people you know.