dank u/dank je
Thank You
Dutch uses two main ways to say 'thank you' depending on who you are talking to: dank u (formal) and dank je (informal). Adding wel makes it more polite or emphatic.
How It Works
In Dutch, expressing gratitude is tied to the u vs jij distinction. The phrase is a shortened version of Ik dank u/je ('I thank you').
1. Formality and Number:
- Dank u (wel): Formal singular or formal group.
- Dank je (wel): Informal singular.
- Dank jullie wel: Informal group.
- Bedankt: A neutral alternative for any situation.
- Hartelijk dank / Dank u zeer: Stronger versions ('Heartfelt thanks' / 'Thank you very much').
2. The Role of "Wel":
Adding wel (literally 'well') makes the expression sound warmer and more polite. Using the short versions without wel can sometimes sound slightly curt.
3. Spelling Rules:
The basic expressions dank je and dank u must always be written as two separate words. However, when you add wel, you have a choice: you can write them as separate words (dank je wel) or as a single word (dankjewel, dankuwel).
4. Accepting and Responding:
To accept an offer, say Ja, graag ('Yes, please'). If you respond to an offer (like a cup of coffee) by just saying 'dank u' or 'bedankt', it is often interpreted as a polite refusal ('No, thank you'). To say 'No, thank you' explicitly, use Nee, bedankt.
When someone thanks you, the standard responses are:
- Graag gedaan: 'You're welcome' (literally: 'gladly done').
- Geen dank: 'Don't mention it' (literally: 'no thanks needed').
- Alstublieft / Alsjeblieft: While primarily meaning 'please', this is also used when handing an object to someone (meaning 'here you go'). In Belgium, it is also commonly used as a general 'you're welcome'.
Examples (6)
- Dank u wel voor de hulp, mevrouw.
Thank you very much for the help, ma'am.
Word by Word: Thank you well for the help, madam.
Uses the formal 'u' because the speaker is addressing a woman ('mevrouw') they likely don't know personally.
- Dank je voor het cadeau!
Thank you for the gift!
Word by Word: Thank you for the gift!
Uses the informal 'je'. Note that 'dank je' is always written as two separate words.
- Hartelijk dank voor uw tijd.
Heartfelt thanks for your time.
Word by Word: Heartily thanks for your time.
'Hartelijk dank' is a common, slightly more formal way to say 'thank you'.
- A: Wilt u koffie? B: Dank u.
A: Would you like coffee? B: No, thank you.
Word by Word: A: Want you coffee? B: Thank you.
In Dutch, saying just 'dank u' specifically when responding to an offer usually implies a polite refusal ('No, thank you').
- A: Alsjeblieft. B: Dank je wel!
A: Here you go. B: Thank you very much!
Word by Word: A: Please. B: Thank you well!
When handing someone an object, you say alsjeblieft, which functions like 'here you go'.
- Alvast bedankt voor de informatie.
Thanks in advance for the information.
Word by Word: Already thanked for the information.
'Alvast bedankt' is the standard way to thank someone in advance.
Common Mistakes
Using 'alstublieft' as the reply to thanks.
Different MeaningA: Dank u wel! B: Alstublieft!A: Dank u wel! B: Graag gedaan!In the Netherlands, alstublieft is mostly said when handing something over, and 'graag gedaan' is the usual reply to thanks. In Belgium, 'alstublieft' is also a common reply to thanks, so the first sentence is fine there.
Writing 'dankje' or 'danku' as a single word.
Dankje voor de hulp.Dank je voor de hulp.The short forms 'dank je' and 'dank u' are normally written as two words. Longer forms such as 'dankjewel' and 'dankuwel' are accepted in one word, and they are nouns in 'een dankjewel'.
Using 'dank je' in a formal setting.
Different MeaningDank je, meneer de agent.Dank u, meneer de agent.'Dank je' is understandable, but with an officer or a stranger the polite u is the better choice.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'dank u' and 'dank je' correctly, you need to understand the distinction between formal and informal address in Dutch, which is reflected in the choice of pronouns.
Related Patterns
- u / jijU or Jij?
This explains the social rules behind choosing between formal 'u' and informal 'jij/je'.
Level 2 - ja/neeYes and No
Often used together with thanks to clearly accept or refuse an offer.
Level 1 - alstublieft/alsjeblieftPlease
The counterpart to 'thank you', used for 'please' and 'here you go', following the same formality rules.
Level 1 - voorFor/Before
The preposition used to specify what you are thanking someone for (e.g., 'dank je voor...').
Level 1 - dankzijThanks to
A related word meaning 'thanks to', used to indicate a cause rather than direct gratitude.
Level 4
Words in This Pattern
Practice dank u/dank je in Bubblegum
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