How to say it in German

[Dearelliot]

In my story I wish to say in German, "Thank you"
I am aware that is "Danke schon or schoen"
but I recall often in Berlin hearing "Schoen Dank"
as in "schoen dank Inga."
Is it correct to use

 

[ycym]

It depends on the context. Can you describe the situation?
"Ich danke ihnen." is very formal.
"Dank dir" is more personal.
"Danke schön" or "Vielen Dank" you can hear for example in a shop.
If you want to sound more eloquent as a german you can also say the french "Merci", also used in Switzerland "Merci vielmals".

Hope you find your case.

Ah, and if you want to speak like some cool kids: "Geht klar, Alter." But I am quiet sure you don't want to use this frase.

 

[Dearelliot]

Lady in a bar talking to a waitress who served her for the ten thousandth time.

Thank you for helping..

And the term Schoenen dank? I think I have heard that used.
I just realized it wasn't schoen it was Schoenen

 

[ycym]

That is simply "Dank dir"

 

[ycym]

Ah, and if she really needed the drink: "Oh man, das habe ich jetzt gebraucht. Vielen, vielen Dank."
or... "Oooh danke! Du bist ein Engel!" She possibly got the drink without saying a word upfront.

 

[Whitydco]

Lady in a bar talking to a waitress who served her for the ten thousandth time.

Thank you for helping..

And the term Schoenen dank? I think I have heard that used.
I just realized it wasn't schoen it was Schoenen

What you can or should use depends on how good they know each other.

If it's the first time the lady has been served by the waitress a "Schönen Dank!" with a smile is perfectly fine.

If the lady is a frequent guest and they've had conversations and know each other quite good a "Danke dir (vielmals)!" would be my choice of words.

It also depends on the type of bar. If it's a "high" class bar it's more likely formal like "Danke Ihnen (vielmals)!", even if she has served her for the ten thousandth time, whereas in a workers bar it's generally more informal.

When to use the formal or informal way might be a bit tricky for non Germans.

A rule of thumb is that the mature person offers the "Du" to the younger one but in a situation like this it might not apply. Even if the waitress is the mature one, because she's the servant, it might not be appropriate and here's where it comes into play how good they already know each other.

In other words, without knowing their personal relationship and the above mentioned circumstances, it's difficult, at least for me, to give you proper advise.

Nevertheless, I hope this was more helpful than confusing.

 

[ycym]

Lady in a bar talking to a waitress who served her for the ten thousandth time.

@Whitydco : I think in his situation a simple "Dank dir" should be a good solution.

 

[Dearelliot]

Thank you all , I will do as you guys suggest.