der
Dank
What does 'der Dank' mean? 🤔
Der Dank (noun, masculine) refers to a feeling or expression of gratitude or appreciation for a benefit, help, or gift received.
It expresses appreciation for something positive that one has received.
⚠️ Attention: Although the verb 'danken' (to thank) is very common, the noun 'der Dank' is often used in fixed expressions or when emphasizing the gratitude itself. In everyday language, people more often simply say "Danke" (Thanks).
There is no commonly used plural for "der Dank". One speaks of Dankbarkeit (gratitude) or Dankesbekundungen (expressions of thanks) in the plural.
Grammar in Detail: Der Dank
The noun Dank is masculine. The correct article is therefore der.
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun | (English Meaning) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Dank | (the thanks) |
| Genitive | des | Dankes / Danks | (of the thanks) |
| Dative | dem | Dank(e) | (to/for the thanks) |
| Accusative | den | Dank | (the thanks) |
🚨 The genitive can be 'des Dankes' or 'des Danks', both are correct. In the dative, 'dem Danke' is less common and rather elevated; 'dem Dank' is usually used.
Plural
The word 'Dank' is generally only used in the singular. If you want to refer to multiple acts of gratitude, you use circumlocutions like "Dankesbezeugungen" (expressions of thanks), "Dankesworte" (words of thanks), or speak generally of "Dankbarkeit" (gratitude).
Example Sentences
- Nominative: Der Dank des Publikums war überwältigend. (The audience's thanks/gratitude was overwhelming.)
- Genitive: Die Größe des Dankes lässt sich kaum in Worte fassen. (The magnitude of the gratitude can hardly be put into words.)
- Dative: Er half ihr nur aus Dankbarkeit. (He helped her only out of gratitude. - Note: 'dem Dank' is less common in simple sentences like this, 'aus Dankbarkeit' is preferred).
- Accusative: Empfange meinen herzlichen Dank! (Receive my heartfelt thanks!)
Usage in Everyday Life 🙏
Der Dank is often used in more formal contexts or in fixed expressions to express gratitude:
- Vielen Dank / Herzlichen Dank / Besten Dank: Very common formulas for saying thank you. (Lit: Many thanks / Heartfelt thanks / Best thanks)
- Dank sagen / aussprechen: To thank verbally. (e.g., Ich möchte Ihnen meinen Dank aussprechen. - I would like to express my thanks to you.)
- Zum Dank: As an expression of gratitude. (e.g., Zum Dank für deine Hilfe lade ich dich zum Essen ein. - As thanks for your help, I'll invite you for dinner.)
- Dank sei...: Expression of gratitude towards a higher power or circumstance. (e.g., Dank sei Gott! - Thanks be to God! Dank des guten Wetters... - Thanks to the good weather...)
- Undank ist der Welten Lohn: Proverb expressing that good deeds are often not appreciated. (Lit: Ingratitude is the world's reward.)
Compared to "Danke" or "danke schön", "der Dank" is the nominalized form and emphasizes the feeling or act of gratitude itself.
Memory Aids 🧠
For the article (der): Think of thanking der Mann (the man). Or: Dank starts with D, like der (though 'die' and 'das' also exist). Maybe link it to 'der Vater' receives thanks.
For the meaning (gratitude): Imagine receiving a gift and shouting "Danke!" – the feeling associated with it is der Dank. The 'k' sound is strong, like a firm handshake of thanks.
Word Field: Expressing Gratitude ↔️
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Die Dankbarkeit: The feeling of gratitude (feminine noun).
- Die Anerkennung: Recognition, appreciation for an achievement or quality.
- Die Erkenntlichkeit: Expression of gratitude, often more formal.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- Der Undank: Ingratitude, lack of thanks.
- Die Undankbarkeit: The feeling or quality of being ungrateful.
- Die Geringschätzung: Disdain, lack of respect or appreciation.
Similar Words (Caution!)
- dank (preposition with genitive/dative): Thanks to, owing to, due to. (e.g., Dank deiner Hilfe habe ich es geschafft. - Thanks to your help, I managed it.) Here, 'dank' is not a noun!
A Little Joke 😄
German: Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, kannst du mir einen Satz mit 'Dank' bilden?" Fritzchen: "Gern! Der Tank meines Papas Auto ist schon wieder leer." Lehrer: "Nein, Fritzchen, ich meinte D-A-N-K!" Fritzchen: "Achso! Na, vielen Dank für die Aufklärung!"
English Translation:
The teacher asks: "Fritzchen, can you form a sentence with 'Dank' (thanks)?"
Fritzchen: "Sure! Der Tank (the tank) of my dad's car is empty again."
Teacher: "No, Fritzchen, I meant D-A-N-K!"
Fritzchen: "Oh, I see! Well, vielen Dank (many thanks) for the clarification!"
A Little Poem 📜
German:
Ein gutes Wort, zur rechten Zeit,
vertreibt so manchen Kummer weit.
Ein Lächeln, eine nette Geste,
für all das Gute nur das Beste.
Drum sag ich heut', ganz ungeniert,
sei dir mein Dank dafür beschert!
English Translation:
A kind word, at the right time,
drives away much sorrow far.
A smile, a nice gesture,
for all the good, only the best.
Therefore I say today, quite openly,
may my thanks be bestowed upon you for it!
Who or what am I? ❓
German:
Ich habe keinen Mund, doch kann gesprochen werden.
Ich habe keine Hand, doch kann gegeben werden.
Man fühlt mich oft im Herzen tief,
als Antwort auf etwas, das gut verlief.
Was bin ich?
Auflösung: Der Dank
English Translation:
I have no mouth, yet can be spoken.
I have no hand, yet can be given.
I am often felt deep in the heart,
as an answer to something that went well.
What am I?
Solution: Thanks / Gratitude (Der Dank)
Trivia 🤓
- Word Family: Belongs to the family of danken (verb - to thank) and dankbar (adjective - thankful, grateful).
- Etymology: The word comes from the Old High German "dank", which originally meant "thought", "will", or "favor". The current meaning of "acknowledgment" or "gratitude" evolved from this.
- Fixed Expressions: Many idioms use "Dank", e.g., "Gott sei Dank!" (Thank God! - expression of relief).
Summary: is it der, die or das Dank?
The German word Dank is masculine, so the correct article is der Dank. It signifies the feeling or expression of gratitude and is mostly used in the singular.