How to say you are welcome in German.
German from a German for people interested in German
Last time we explored how to say thanks in German. If you have not read my post yet make sure to read it to learn some great ways to say thanks in German.
As with many German words, bitte — you are welcome — can have many meanings including:
- You’re welcome
- Here you go
- May I help you?
- Pardon?
- Please
We are going to focus on you’re welcome. Commonly, Germans use the word “bitte” to express the words you are welcome. Bitte can be used in either formal and informal settings.
A more colloquial way of saying “bitte” is the word “bitteschön”. It still means you are welcome, however, typically Germans use this word in informal settings. A little side note for all of you language lovers. Germans are very direct — yet polite — and if a person does not respond with a “danke” or “dankeschön” you might hear the words “bitte schön”. Notice the difference in spelling. This is a way of getting back at a person’s impoliteness. While the word still translates to you are welcome, it carries a negative connotation depending on the context and the tone being used.
This one is my personal favorite. “Gern geschehen” literally translates to “it happens well” which makes no sense to English speakers. However, as with many languages, you cannot translate it directly. “Gern geschehen” is used to say you are welcome. It is a very polite way of saying you’re welcome and it can be used either formally or informally.
Lastly, let’s have a look at “keine Ursache”. Funnily, while Germans use this phrase to say you’re welcome, it literally translates to “no reason” or “no cause”. Keine Ursache is typically used as a response after someone says dankeschön.
What other words would you like me to explore? If you have questions regarding German culture or anything else about Germany please let me know and I will include that in my next post. Thank you all!
