das  Dankeschön

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈdaŋkəʃøːn/

🎁 What exactly is 'ein Dankeschön'?

Das Dankeschön (noun, neuter) refers to a gesture or a small gift used to express thanks. It's more than just the word "Danke"; it's often something concrete that you give or do.

It is often used to describe a small reward, a tip, or a small present given as a token of appreciation.

🚨 Attention: Don't confuse it with the phrase "danke schön" (two words, lowercase), which is simply a polite way to say thank you (like "thank you very much"). Das Dankeschön (one word, capitalized) is a noun.

🧐 Grammar: Declining 'das Dankeschön'

Das Dankeschön is a noun (Substantiv) and is declined accordingly. It is neuter (sächlich).

Singular:

Plural:

The plural "die Dankeschöns" is rather rare and mostly used colloquially or in specific contexts when referring to multiple individual gestures or gifts of thanks.

Example Sentences 📖

• Als kleines Dankeschön für deine Hilfe habe ich dir Pralinen mitgebracht.
  (As a small thank-you for your help, I brought you chocolates.)
• Der Wert des Dankeschöns liegt nicht im Preis, sondern in der Geste.
  (The value of the thank-you gift lies not in the price, but in the gesture.)
• Mit diesem Dankeschön möchte ich meine Anerkennung zeigen.
  (With this thank-you gesture/gift, I want to show my appreciation.)
• Das Dankeschön kam unerwartet, aber ich habe mich sehr gefreut.
  (The thank-you gift was unexpected, but I was very pleased.)

💬 How to use 'das Dankeschön'?

Das Dankeschön is used when talking about a concrete gesture or gift that expresses gratitude.

• Context: Often used in relation to small gifts, tips, or special favors as recognition.
• Distinction from "Danke" / "danke schön": While "Danke" or "danke schön" are verbal expressions of gratitude, das Dankeschön is the material or symbolic manifestation of this thanks. You say "danke schön", but you give or receive "ein Dankeschön".
• Formal/Informal: Can be used in both contexts, although the nature of the Dankeschön (e.g., a bottle of wine vs. a handwritten card) determines the level of formality.

Example: "Er hat mir sehr geholfen, also habe ich ihm als kleines Dankeschön eine Flasche Wein geschenkt." (He helped me a lot, so I gave him a bottle of wine as a small thank-you.) Here, das Dankeschön is the bottle of wine.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Remembering the Article: Think of a Dankeschön often being something small, maybe a neutral item like "das Geschenk" (the gift) or "das Präsent" (the present). It's neuter – das Dankeschön.

Remembering the Meaning: Imagine someone not just saying "Danke" (Thanks) but emphasizing it with a schön (nice, beautiful) gesture. This "Schöne" (nice thing) is das Dankeschön – the gesture or small gift itself.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms for Dankeschön

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• danke schön (adverbial phrase): The expression you say ("Thank you very much").
• Dank (noun, masculine): The feeling or expression of gratitude in general ("der Dank" - thanks, gratitude). Das Dankeschön is more specifically a gesture/gift.

😂 A Little Joke

German:
Fragt der Kellner: "War alles zu Ihrer Zufriedenheit?" Gast: "Ja, vielen Dank!" Kellner: "Und wo ist dann das kleine Dankeschön dafür?" Gast: "Hier!" (macht eine kleine, dankbare Verbeugung)

English Translation:
The waiter asks: "Was everything to your satisfaction?"
Guest: "Yes, thank you very much!"
Waiter: "And where is the little thank-you for it then?"
Guest: "Here!" (makes a small, thankful bow)

📜 Poem about 'das Dankeschön'

German:
Ein Wort allein, es klingt ganz nett,
Doch manchmal braucht's mehr im Duett.
Ein Lächeln, eine kleine Gabe fein,
Das Dankeschön, so soll es sein.
Nicht groß, nicht teuer, muss es glänzen,
Die Geste zählt, in allen Existenzen.

English Translation:
A word alone, it sounds quite nice,
But sometimes more is needed in a trice.
A smile, a little gift so fine,
The thank-you token, let it shine.
Not big, not costly, must it gleam,
The gesture counts, it would seem.

🧩 Riddle Time

German:
Ich bin kein Wort, das man nur spricht,
Obwohl mein Name Dank verspricht.
Man gibt mich gern, man nimmt mich an,
Als kleine Geste, dann und wann.
Ich kann Schokolade sein, ein Wein,
Oder ein simpler, netter Schein.

Was bin ich?

English Translation:
I'm not a word that's merely said,
Though thanks is in my name instead.
I'm gladly given, received with grace,
A little gesture, time and place.
I can be chocolate, or some wine,
Or just a simple, friendly sign.

What am I?

(Solution: das Dankeschön)

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Word Composition:

Das Dankeschön is a compound noun made up of:

• Dank: Derived from the verb "danken" (to thank).
• schön: Adjective meaning "nice" or "beautiful", nominalized here and part of the compound, emphasizing the kind, pleasant nature of the thanks.

Cultural Context: In Germany, it's common practice to give a small, symbolic Dankeschön for special help or kindness. It's seen as a sign of good manners and appreciation.