Thanking & Apologizing

Thanks!

Informal; use only with friends, family, or people you address with 'du'.

Thank you very much!

Safe, natural, and appropriate in almost any everyday situation.

Thank you very much for your help!

Polite and warm; ideal for service staff, professionals, or strangers.

No problem!

Relaxed reply among peers when someone thanks you for a small favor.

You're welcome! / My pleasure!

The standard neutral response to 'Danke' across German-speaking countries.

With pleasure! / You are very welcome!

Friendly and courteous, widely heard in shops, cafés, and customer service.

I'm sorry!

Natural and sincere for everyday slip-ups or expressing sympathy.

Excuse me! / Sorry!

Universal all-rounder for bumping into someone or getting attention.

Please excuse me. / I do apologize.

Formal apology for bigger mistakes or when speaking to seniors and officials.

May I just squeeze past?

Everyday spoken way to ask someone to make room in a train aisle or hallway.

May I interrupt you for a moment?

Polite way to approach a stranger, coworker, or staff member who is busy.