German culture is very polite and formal. Remember to say “danke” any time anyone does anything for you or helps you out in any way.
“Vielen Dank” (FEE-lehn DAHNK): literally, “many thanks” “Tausend Dank” (TOW-zent DAHNK): literally, “a thousand thanks,” similar to saying “thanks a million” in English
This phrase is one of the most formal ways to say “thank you” in German. Generally, you should reserve it for when you’re talking to someone who is either significantly older than you or in a position of authority.
This phrase may also be appropriate in situations where, for example, you’re checking out of a hotel, because the hotel likely performed many different services for you during your stay.
You could also use this phrase with performers or entertainers who put on a show for you.
The same phrase can also be translated to mean “thanks for your help” or “thanks for your efforts. " The use of “Ihre” is formal. If you want to speak more casually, you might say “deine Gastfreundschaft” (DIH-neh GAHST-froynd-shahft) to mean “thank you for your hospitality,” or “deine Hilfe” (DIH-neh HILL-feh) for “thank you for your help. "
While in person, a simple “danke” might suffice, this phrase is most appropriate if you’re sending someone a thank-you card, email, or letter. It’s more specific and can serve as a reminder to them of why you’re thanking them.
As in English, it generally isn’t considered appropriate to use this phrase if you have any doubts about the person fulfilling your request. However, you might use it if you’re just asking for general assistance, such as if you’re asking for a recommendation or referral.
For example, as you are checking out of a hotel, the clerk might say “Ich wünsche dir alles Gute,” or “I wish you all the best. " You could then respond “Danke, gleichfalls,” or “Thanks, same to you. "
A server or retail clerk might also use these phrases when you say “danke. " In that context, they’re essentially telling you that they were simply doing their job and there was no need for you to thank them. However, that doesn’t mean you should actually forego a respectful “danke” to people in the service industry.
“Gerne” is generally considered more casual, but it’s still appropriate in most situations. Stick to “gern geschehen” when speaking to someone significantly older than you or in a position of authority.
As you might suspect, the word “problem” is pronounced the same as it is in English, although a native German speaker would say it with a German accent. The word “kein” is pronounced “kine. "
