How to Say You’re Welcome in German – If someone thanks you in German, you can reply with Gern geschehen, which means “you’re welcome.” It’s a polite and friendly phrase you can use in everyday conversations, both formal and informal.
Knowing how to say you’re welcome in German is essential for polite interactions, expressing humility, and maintaining friendly conversations. The most common phrase, “Bitte”, works in almost all situations. Learning multiple ways to respond helps you sound natural, courteous, and culturally aware.
Say You’re Welcome in German
Let’s explore 15 ways to say you’re welcome in German, complete with origins, examples, and practical usage.
1. Bitte
Origin: Most common phrase for “you’re welcome,” literally means “please” but used as a polite response to thanks.
Example:
👤 A: Danke für deine Hilfe.
👤 B: Bitte.
Use: Standard, polite, universal response.
2. Gern geschehen
Origin: Literally “gladly done.”
Example:
👤 A: Vielen Dank!
👤 B: Gern geschehen.
Use: Polite, friendly, slightly more formal.
3. Kein Problem
Origin: “No problem,” casual and informal.
Example:
👤 A: Danke!
👤 B: Kein Problem.
Use: Informal, among friends or peers.
4. Nichts zu danken
Origin: “Nothing to thank for,” humble response.
Example:
👤 A: Danke für alles.
👤 B: Nichts zu danken.
Use: Polite, neutral, humble.
5. Keine Ursache
Origin: “No cause,” meaning no need to thank.
Example:
👤 A: Vielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe.
👤 B: Keine Ursache.
Use: Formal or polite contexts.
6. Bitte schön
Origin: “You’re very welcome” / “here you go,” polite and friendly.
Example:
👤 A: Danke!
👤 B: Bitte schön.
Use: Polite and cheerful response.
7. Bitte sehr
Origin: Similar to Bitte schön, emphasizes politeness.
Example:
👤 A: Danke für das Geschenk.
👤 B: Bitte sehr.
Use: Formal or friendly.
8. Gerne
Origin: Short, casual version of Gern geschehen, “gladly.”
Example:
👤 A: Danke!
👤 B: Gerne.
Use: Informal, common among friends.
9. Aber gerne
Origin: “But gladly,” warm and friendly.
Example:
👤 A: Danke für deine Hilfe.
👤 B: Aber gerne!
Use: Informal, friendly, enthusiastic.
10. Mit Vergnügen
Origin: “With pleasure,” polite and slightly formal.
Example:
👤 A: Vielen Dank!
👤 B: Mit Vergnügen.
Use: Formal and polite situations.
11. Selbstverständlich
Origin: “Of course,” indicates willingness to help.
Example:
👤 A: Danke für Ihre Mühe.
👤 B: Selbstverständlich.
Use: Formal, professional, polite.
12. Jederzeit
Origin: “Anytime,” shows readiness to help again.
Example:
👤 A: Danke!
👤 B: Jederzeit.
Use: Informal or friendly, reassuring.
13. Immer wieder gern
Origin: “Always gladly,” warm and friendly.
Example:
👤 A: Danke!
👤 B: Immer wieder gern.
Use: Informal, affectionate, enthusiastic.
14. Bitte doch
Origin: Friendly version of Bitte, casual and warm.
Example:
👤 A: Danke!
👤 B: Bitte doch!
Use: Informal, friendly tone.
15. Kein Ding
Origin: “No big deal,” very casual, slang-like.
Example:
👤 A: Danke!
👤 B: Kein Ding.
Use: Very casual, among close friends.
FAQs
- What is the most common way to say you’re welcome in German?
→ Bitte - How do you pronounce “Bitte”?
→ Bih-teh - What is a more formal way to say you’re welcome?
→ Gern geschehen, Mit Vergnügen, Selbstverständlich - Is there a casual version for friends?
→ Gerne, Kein Problem, Aber gerne, Kein Ding - How do you respond politely to a colleague or boss?
→ Bitte schön, Bitte sehr, Selbstverständlich - How do you show enthusiasm when replying?
→ Aber gerne, Immer wieder gern - What is a humble way to say you’re welcome?
→ Nichts zu danken, Keine Ursache - Can I say “Jederzeit” to show willingness to help again?
→ Yes, it means “anytime.” - Is “Kein Ding” formal?
→ No, very casual and informal. - Are “Bitte schön” and “Bitte sehr” interchangeable?
→ Mostly yes, both are polite and friendly.
Conclusion:
Learning how to say you’re welcome in German is a small but powerful way to sound polite and confident. Phrases like Gern geschehen and Bitte schön help you respond naturally when someone thanks you. With just a little practice, these expressions will feel easy and automatic in your daily conversations.
And the more you use them, the more natural and fluent your German will start to feel.
