bedanken

Definition & meaning

The verb bedanken is a reflexive verb used to express gratitude or appreciation.

• To thank: When used reflexively (sich bedanken), it means to express thanks to someone for something. For example, "Ich bedanke mich für das Geschenk" (I am thanking you for the gift).
• To decline/refuse (ironic): In colloquial German, the phrase "Ich bedanke mich" or "Da bedanke ich mich" can be used sarcastically to indicate that one is not interested in something or wants to decline an offer (similar to saying "No thanks").

Grammar & Word origin

• Grammar: It is a regular (weak) reflexive verb. It requires the reflexive pronoun sich and usually takes the preposition für (for something) and bei (at/to someone).
  • Example: Ich bedanke mich bei dir für die Hilfe. (I thank you for the help.)
• Word origin: It is derived from the Old High German "danc" (thought, will, thanks). It combines the prefix be- (often used to transitivize verbs or indicate an action directed at someone) with danken ?.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• danken ? (to thank)
• sich erkenntlich zeigen [?](vocabuo://sich erkenntlich zeigen) (to show one's gratitude)
• würdigen ? (to appreciate/acknowledge)
• sich revanchieren [?](vocabuo://sich revanchieren) (to reciprocate)

Antonyms:

• beschweren ? (to complain)
• kritisieren ? (to criticize)
• ablehnen ? (to reject - in the context of refusing an offer)