danken
to thank
Danken means 'to thank'. It is a regular verb used to express gratitude. In everyday German, the interjection 'danke' (thanks) is more common than the verb, but 'danken' is used in formal or written contexts.
Example sentences
- Ich danke dir für deine Hilfe.I thank you for your help.
- Wir danken Ihnen herzlich.We thank you sincerely.
- Er dankte ihr mit einem Lächeln.He thanked her with a smile.
Grammar
| Present (ich/du/er) | danke, dankst, dankt |
|---|---|
| Simple past | dankte |
| Perfect | hat gedankt |
| Separable | no |
| Case it takes | dative (jemandem danken) |
The person thanked is in the dative case: 'Ich danke dir.'
Common phrases
- Danke schönthank you very much
- Danke fürthanks for
- Ich danke IhnenI thank you (formal)
The mistake English speakers make
Using 'danken' with an accusative object instead of dative. Correct: 'Ich danke dir' (not 'dich').
Don’t confuse it with
- bedanken — Bedanken is reflexive and means 'to say thank you', e.g., 'Ich bedanke mich bei dir.'
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between 'danke' and 'danken'?
'Danke' is the common way to say 'thanks' and is actually the first-person singular form of 'danken' used as an interjection. 'Danken' is the verb 'to thank' and is used in full sentences.
How do you say 'thank you for' in German?
You can say 'Danke für' + noun/pronoun, or use 'jemandem für etwas danken' with a dative object and 'für' + noun/pronoun, e.g., 'Danke für das Geschenk' or 'Ich danke dir für das Geschenk.'
Is 'danken' a regular verb?
Yes, 'danken' is regular: danken, dankte, hat gedankt.