Danke

/ˈdɑŋkə/ interjection

Definition

A German word meaning 'thank you,' used to express gratitude.

Etymology

From Old High German 'dankon,' related to 'denken' (to think). The etymology shows that 'thank' and 'think' share common roots—gratitude was conceptually linked to remembering and thinking of someone.

Kelly Says

Many European languages tie 'thanks' to 'thinking'—you thank someone by remembering them, which is why English 'thank' and German 'danke' connect to words about thought and memory.

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