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German Phrase

Zeig deinem Gastgeber, dass du es zu schätzen weißt.

/ˈtsaɪ̯k ˈdaɪ̯nəm ˈɡastˌɡeːbɐ das du ɛs tsuː ˈʃɛtsn̩ vaɪ̯st/
Meaning"Show your host that you appreciate it."
💡

Meaning

This phrase is a direct and polite way to encourage someone to express gratitude to their host. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the effort and hospitality provided. The 'es' refers to the hospitality or whatever the host has done.

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When to use

You would use this phrase when advising a friend or family member to show appreciation to someone who is hosting them, perhaps for a dinner, a party, or an overnight stay. It's a gentle reminder to be a good guest and acknowledge the host's efforts.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Zeigdeinem Gastgeberdassdueszu schätzen weißt

1

Zeig (zeigen)

This is the informal singular imperative form of the verb 'zeigen' (to show). It's used to give a direct command or advice to one person you address with 'du'.

2

deinem Gastgeber

'Gastgeber' (host) is a masculine noun. 'Deinem' is the dative form of the possessive pronoun 'dein' (your), as 'zeigen' takes a dative object for the person to whom something is shown.

3

dass

'Dass' is a subordinating conjunction meaning 'that'. It introduces a subordinate clause, which means the conjugated verb ('weißt') moves to the end of the clause.

4

zu schätzen wissen

This is an idiomatic expression meaning 'to appreciate' or 'to know to appreciate'. It's a common and polite way to express gratitude for something received or experienced.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ich bin mir nicht sicher, was ich meinem Gastgeber sagen soll.

I'm not sure what to say to my host.

Zeig deinem Gastgeber, dass du es zu schätzen weißt.

Show your host that you appreciate it.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Zeig dein Gastgeber, dass du es zu schätzen weißt.

    The word 'Gastgeber' (host) is masculine, and in the dative case after 'zeigen' (to show to someone), it requires the dative article 'deinem'.

  • Zeig deinem Gastgeber, dass du es schätzt.

    While 'schätzen' means 'to appreciate', the idiomatic expression 'zu schätzen wissen' (to know to appreciate) is much more common and natural for expressing appreciation in this context.

  • Zeig deinem Gastgeber, dass Sie es zu schätzen wissen.

    This phrase uses the informal 'du'. If you were addressing someone formally, you would use 'Zeigen Sie Ihrem Gastgeber, dass Sie es zu schätzen wissen.'

↔Alternatives

  • Bedank dich bei deinem Gastgeber.

    Thank your host.

  • Sei dankbar für die Gastfreundschaft.

    Be grateful for the hospitality.

  • Lass deinen Gastgeber wissen, dass du dich wohlfühlst.

    Let your host know that you feel comfortable.

de

Cultural Tip

In German culture, directness is often valued, and expressing gratitude is important. While Germans might not always be as effusive as some other cultures, a sincere 'Danke schön' or a thoughtful gesture like a small gift is highly appreciated. This phrase encourages a clear, albeit polite, acknowledgment of hospitality, reinforcing the value placed on good manners and respect for the host's efforts.