German for Acknowledging and Moving On: 'Das weiß ich zu schätzen' in Observed Conversations
Learn to say 'I appreciate that' in German when others are listening, and move the conversation forward politely.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
When someone offers help, a compliment, or an apology in a group setting, you need a phrase that acknowledges their gesture without making a big scene. German has several options, but the most versatile is 'Das weiß ich zu schätzen.' It works in both formal and informal contexts, and it signals that you value what was said or done. In this lesson, you'll learn how to use it naturally, how it differs from a private 'Danke', and how to move the conversation forward with a follow-up question or statement.
By the end, you can…
- acknowledge a gesture or statement in German with a phrase that works when others are present.
- distinguish between a private thank-you and a public acknowledgment.
- move the conversation forward after acknowledging someone.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Das weiß ich zu schätzen.
I appreciate that.
dahs vīs ikh tsoo ZHEH-tsen
Standard, slightly formal. Use when someone offers help, a compliment, or an apology in front of others. It sounds sincere and composed.
Ich weiß das zu schätzen.
I appreciate that.
ikh vīs dahs tsoo ZHEH-tsen
Same meaning, with 'das' after the verb. Slightly more emphasis on 'ich'. Common in both spoken and written German.
Das ist nett von dir.
That's nice of you.
dahs ist net fon deer
Informal, warm. Use with friends or close colleagues. It acknowledges a personal gesture, not a formal offer.
Vielen Dank, das bedeutet mir viel.
Many thanks, that means a lot to me.
FEE-len dahnk, dahs be-DOY-tet meer feel
More emotional. Use when someone says something meaningful in front of others and you want to show genuine gratitude.
Danke, das ist sehr freundlich.
Thank you, that's very kind.
DAHN-ke, dahs ist zair FROYNT-likh
Polite and safe. Works in almost any situation, but it's less specific than 'Das weiß ich zu schätzen.'
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern is 'Das weiß ich zu schätzen.' It literally means 'I know how to value that.' You can replace 'das' with a more specific pronoun if needed: 'Deine Hilfe weiß ich zu schätzen' (I appreciate your help). In spoken German, the word order 'Ich weiß das zu schätzen' is also common. Both are correct. The phrase is a fixed expression; don't try to conjugate 'wissen' differently here. For a lighter tone, use 'Das ist nett von dir' with friends.
When to use it
Use 'Das weiß ich zu schätzen' when someone does something for you and others are watching. It shows you're not just saying 'Danke' out of habit, but that you truly value the gesture. For example, if a colleague defends your idea in a meeting, you might say: 'Das weiß ich zu schätzen, Thomas.' Then move on: 'Können wir kurz über den nächsten Schritt sprechen?' This keeps the conversation flowing. Avoid it for trivial things like someone passing the salt; a simple 'Danke' is enough.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Ich habe deinen Vorschlag im Meeting unterstützt.
I supported your proposal in the meeting.ikh HAH-be DĪ-nen FOR-shlahk im MEE-ting un-ter-SHTÜTSTDas weiß ich zu schätzen. Können wir kurz besprechen, wie es weitergeht?
I appreciate that. Can we briefly discuss how to proceed?dahs vīs ikh tsoo ZHEH-tsen. KÖN-nen veer koorts be-SHPREKH-en, vee es VĪ-ter-gayt?Klar. Ich denke, wir sollten den Chef nächste Woche informieren.
Sure. I think we should inform the boss next week.klahr. ikh DEN-ke, veer ZOL-ten dain shef NÄKH-ste VOKH-e in-for-MEE-renGute Idee. Danke nochmals für deine Unterstützung.
Good idea. Thanks again for your support.GOO-te ee-DAY. DAHN-ke NOKH-mahls für DĪ-ne un-ter-SHTÜ-tsungA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, acknowledging someone's gesture in front of others is often done with a measured, sincere phrase rather than effusive thanks. 'Das weiß ich zu schätzen' strikes that balance: it's appreciative but not over-the-top. In Austria and Switzerland, you might hear 'Das schätze ich sehr' or 'Ich weiß das zu schätzen' as well. Among friends, 'Das ist lieb von dir' is common. Avoid excessive enthusiasm in formal settings; it can seem insincere.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Ich schätze das' as a direct translation of 'I appreciate that.'
Try this instead: 'Ich schätze das' usually means 'I estimate that' or 'I guess that,' not 'I appreciate that.' The correct phrase is 'Das weiß ich zu schätzen' or 'Ich weiß das zu schätzen.' For example: 'Deine Hilfe weiß ich zu schätzen' (I appreciate your help).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you acknowledge a colleague's public support in a meeting, using a formal phrase?
Show a sample answer
Das weiß ich zu schätzen.
This phrase is perfect for a professional setting where others are present. It shows appreciation without being too casual. 'Ich weiß das zu schätzen' is also correct.
2What is the difference between 'Danke' and 'Das weiß ich zu schätzen'?
Show a sample answer
'Danke' is a general thank-you and can be used privately or publicly. 'Das weiß ich zu schätzen' specifically highlights that you value the gesture, and it's often used when others are observing.
Both are polite, but the latter is more explicit about appreciation and works well in semi-formal or formal contexts. 'Danke' is never wrong, but it may sound routine.
3After saying 'Das weiß ich zu schätzen,' how can you move the conversation forward?
Show a sample answer
Können wir kurz über den nächsten Schritt sprechen?
This question shifts the focus to the next topic naturally. Other options: 'Wie gehen wir weiter vor?' or 'Lass uns weitermachen.' Any follow-up that continues the discussion works.
Use 'Das weiß ich zu schätzen' to acknowledge a gesture sincerely when others are listening, then immediately move on with a question or statement to keep the conversation productive.
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