If you’re learning German, you’re likely already familiar with danke – a.k.a. the quickest and easiest way to say “thank you” to a German speaker. Danke is short, snappy and works in every situation where thanks is due. 

But much like English, German offers a variety of ways to express gratitude – and we’re here to help you master them all. Looking for a warm way to thank a close friend? Don’t know how to sign off on that email to your Hauswerwaltung? Desperate to say danke like a local? We’ve got you covered.

We’ll explore the most common ways to say “thank you” in German, when to use each one, and how to make your thanks sound natural in any setting. After reading this guide, we promise you’ll never be stuck using the same danke on repeat. 

The Basics: How to Say “Thank You” in German

The simplest and most common way to say “thank you” in German is danke (DAHN-kuh). You can use it just about anywhere at any time – at the checkout counter, when someone holds the door, or a friend compliments your shoes (danke, friend!).

If you want to make it a touch warmer, add schön (literally meaning “beautiful” or “nice”) and say danke schön (DAHN-kuh shurn). It’s a bit like saying “thanks a lot” in English.

For a slightly more formal tone, try vielen Dank (FEE-len dahnk), which means “many thanks.” You’ll often see it in business emails or polite conversations, but it’s fine in casual situations too.

Matching Your Tone to the Situation

German uses two different “you” forms: du (informal) and Sie (formal). That choice influences the way you say thank you.

• Informal — With friends, family or people you know well, danke or danke schön works perfectly.
  
• Formal – In professional settings or with strangers, vielen Dank or herzlichen Dank (“heartfelt thanks”) feels more respectful.

While a casual “danke” will usually be understood anywhere, choosing a more formal option in the right setting shows a bit of extra cultural awareness.

A Brief History of “Danke”

The word danke comes from the verb danken, which traces back to Old High German, meaning “to think” or “to feel grateful.” In its earliest use, thanking someone was about “thinking well” of them. Just a fun tidbit to keep in mind the next time you say thanks!

Beyond the Basics: Extra Ways to Show Gratitude in German

Sometimes you need more than a quick “thanks.” Here are a few other expressions you might hear or choose to use yourself:

• Ich danke Ihnen — I thank you (formal). Polite and slightly more serious, used in speeches or formal letters.
  
• Tausend Dank — Best thanks. A polite and formal way to say thank you, used in letters and emails.
  
• Danke dir — Informal “thanks to you,” used with friends or family. You might also hear your local shopkeeper use it with customers. The plural version of this phrase is “danke euch” (pronounced “oysh”).

At a Glance: Ways to Say “Thank You” in German

Regional and Cultural Variations of “Thank You” in German

Certain “thank you” phrases are more common in specific areas, and using them can make your interactions feel more local and authentic.

• In southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, you might hear vergelt’s Gott (vehr-GELTS got), which literally means “may God reward you.” It’s a traditional, religious expression you’ll still hear in rural areas, especially among older generations or in church settings.

Cultural note: Because it has strong religious roots, vergelt’s Gott can feel old-fashioned or out of place in secular or younger social circles. Use it when you’re sure the context is right — for example, when visiting a rural bakery or chatting with someone who used it first.

• In Swiss German, merci vielmal (MEHR-see feel-mahl) — a charming mix of French and German meaning “thanks a lot” — is widely used in both casual and polite contexts.

Cultural note: While it’s perfectly fine in everyday Swiss German, in formal writing or business correspondence you’d likely use danke or vielen Dank instead.

• In Bavaria and Austria, locals often shorten danke schön to just danke schee (DAHN-kuh shay) in dialect. It’s a relaxed, regional twist that adds character to your thanks.

Cultural note: Using dialect forms like danke schee can help you blend in with locals, but it might sound a bit strange if you use it outside the region. (Looking at you, Wayne Newton.

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• In parts of northern Germany, you might hear dankeschön delivered with a clipped, brisk tone, reflecting the local culture’s more straightforward style of communication.

Cultural note: This doesn’t mean people are being rude – directness is simply part of the regional communication style.

If you’re traveling in these regions, trying out a local expression can be a great conversation starter. People often appreciate the effort – and it might even earn you an extra smile or a friendly chat (well, perhaps not in northern Germany…).

Cultural Tips to Pair with Your “Thanks”

In German-speaking cultures, politeness matters – but so does sincerity. A quick danke works fine for everyday interactions, but if someone has helped you in a bigger way, it’s worth slowing down and making it more personal.

A few small gestures go a long way:

1. Make eye contact — It shows you mean it.
   
2. Use their name — Vielen Dank, Frau Schmidt makes your thanks feel warmer.
   
3. Pair it with a handshake — Still common in business or formal settings.

Q&A: Thank You in German

What’s the difference between “danke” and “vielen Dank”?They both mean “thank you,” but “vielen Dank” can feel a little more formal or emphatic.

How do you say “thanks a lot” in German?
Danke schön, vielen Dank, or tausend Dank all work.

What do you say after someone says “danke”?
If someone thanks you, there are a few ways to say “you’re welcome” in German:

• Bitte (BIH-tuh) – Neutral and most common.
  
• Bitte schön (BIH-tuh shurn) – Slightly warmer.
  
• Gern geschehen (GEHRN guh-SHAY-en) – Gladly done, or my pleasure.
  
• Kein Problem (kah-yn proh-BLAYM) – No problem (informal).

How should I say “thank you” in writing? 

When writing in German – whether it’s an email, postcard or online message – the level of formality matters.

• Freundliche Grüße und vielen Dank — Kind regards and many thanks (formal)
  
• Danke für deine Hilfe! — Thanks for your help! (informal)
  
• Vielen Dank im Voraus — Thanks in advance (formal or semi-formal)
  

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to say thank you in German – and choosing the right version for the situation – can make your interactions smoother and more genuine. Whether you’re thanking a shop assistant, ending a video call with a colleague, or sending a text to a friend, German has a phrase that fits.

And if you’re ever unsure? A simple, heartfelt danke is always a safe choice.

The post Saying “Thank You” in German: How to Express Gratitude Like a Local appeared first on Babbel.

Thomas DevlinSource