German Phrase
Danke, das weiß ich echt zu schätzen.
Meaning
This phrase is a more profound and sincere way to express gratitude than a simple 'thank you'. It literally translates to 'I really know how to value that', indicating that you recognize the effort or kindness someone has shown you.
When to use
Use this phrase in situations where someone has gone out of their way to help you, given you a thoughtful gift, or offered significant support. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts when you want to show genuine appreciation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Dankedasweißichechtzu schätzen
zu schätzen wissen
This is a fixed idiomatic expression where 'wissen' (to know) is combined with 'zu schätzen' (to value/estimate) to mean 'to appreciate'.
Word Order
In this sentence, 'das' acts as the object being appreciated and is placed at the beginning for emphasis, followed by the conjugated verb 'weiß'.
🗨In Conversation
Ich habe dir die Unterlagen schon mal ausgedruckt.
I have already printed out the documents for you.
Danke, das weiß ich echt zu schätzen.
Thank you, I really appreciate that.
✕Common Mistakes
Danke, ich schätze das.
While grammatically correct, it sounds like a literal translation from English; the idiom 'zu schätzen wissen' is much more natural in German.
Danke, das weiß ich zu schätzen echt.
The adverb 'echt' should typically come before the infinitive part of the verb phrase to properly emphasize the sentiment.
↔Alternatives
Das ist sehr lieb von dir.
That is very sweet of you.
Ich bin dir sehr dankbar.
I am very grateful to you.
Cultural Tip
In German culture, while directness is common, expressing sincere gratitude is an important part of social etiquette. Using 'echt' (really/truly) makes the expression feel more authentic and less like a perfunctory social reflex.