thank you
"Dank je" is the standard, friendly way to express gratitude in Dutch. It literally translates to "thank you," where "dank" is the noun for thanks and "je" is the informal pronoun for "you." It is the go-to phrase for everyday interactions with friends, family, and peers. While "dank je" is perfect for casual settings, you should use the more formal "dank u" when speaking to strangers, elders, or in professional environments to show respect. If you want to be extra enthusiastic, you can add "wel" to the end, making it "dank je wel."
In conversation
Handing over a coffee
Hier is je koffie.
Here is your coffee.
Dank je!
Thank you!
A very common, quick exchange between friends.
Returning a borrowed pen
Alsjeblieft, hier is je pen weer.
Here you go, here is your pen back.
Dank je wel, dat scheelt weer.
Thank you, that's a big help.
Adding 'wel' makes the gratitude sound a bit warmer and more sincere.
Examples
Dank je.
Thank you.
Dank je wel voor je hulp.
Thank you for your help.
Ik wil je graag bedanken, dank je voor alles.
I would like to thank you, thank you for everything.
