How to Accept Feedback Politely in German: Key Phrases and Responses
Learn to respond politely to feedback in German with phrases like 'Danke für das Feedback' and 'Ich nehme das mit.' Master register and regional variations.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
Accepting feedback politely is a crucial skill in any language, and German has its own set of expressions and conventions. In this lesson, you will learn how to respond to feedback in a way that is both appreciative and appropriate for different situations, from casual conversations to formal workplace settings. We will focus on phrases that acknowledge the feedback, express gratitude, and show willingness to consider it. You will also learn about register differences and regional variations, such as the use of 'Feedback' versus 'Rückmeldung', and how to avoid common mistakes like responding too defensively. By the end, you will be able to accept feedback gracefully in German, whether it's positive or constructive criticism.
By the end, you can…
- thank someone for feedback in German using appropriate phrases.
- acknowledge feedback and indicate that I will consider it.
- choose between formal and informal expressions based on the context.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Danke für das Feedback.
Thank you for the feedback.
DAHN-kuh für dahs FEED-bahk
Standard and neutral; suitable for both formal and informal contexts. 'Feedback' is a common loanword in German.
Vielen Dank für die Rückmeldung.
Many thanks for the feedback.
FEE-len dahnk für dee RÜCK-mel-doong
More formal; 'Rückmeldung' is a German equivalent of 'feedback', often used in professional settings.
Ich nehme das mit.
I'll take that on board.
ikh NAY-muh dahs mit
Informal; shows you will consider the feedback. Literally 'I'll take that with me'.
Das ist hilfreich, danke.
That's helpful, thanks.
dahs ist HILF-rakh, DAHN-kuh
Appreciative response; can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Ich werde darüber nachdenken.
I will think about it.
ikh VAIR-duh dah-RÜ-ber NAHKH-den-ken
Neutral and polite; indicates you will consider the feedback without committing to action.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
A common pattern for accepting feedback is to thank the person and then indicate what you will do with the feedback. For example: 'Danke für das Feedback. Ich werde darüber nachdenken.' (Thank you for the feedback. I will think about it.) You can also use 'Ich nehme das mit' to show you will take it on board. In more formal situations, use 'Vielen Dank für die Rückmeldung. Ich werde das berücksichtigen.' (Many thanks for the feedback. I will take that into consideration.) Note that 'Feedback' is neuter: 'das Feedback'. 'Rückmeldung' is feminine: 'die Rückmeldung'.
When to use it
Use 'Danke für das Feedback' in most situations, as it is neutral and widely understood. In formal written communication or with superiors, 'Vielen Dank für die Rückmeldung' may be more appropriate. With friends or colleagues you know well, 'Danke für die Rückmeldung' or 'Danke für das Feedback' are both fine. If you want to be more specific, you can say 'Danke für die konstruktive Kritik' (Thank you for the constructive criticism). Avoid using 'Ich nehme das mit' in very formal contexts; instead, use 'Ich werde das berücksichtigen' (I will take that into consideration).
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Ich habe deinen Bericht gelesen. Du könntest die Einleitung klarer strukturieren.
I read your report. You could structure the introduction more clearly.ikh HAH-buh DINE-en buh-RIKHT guh-LAY-zen. doo KÖN-test dee INE-lie-toong KLAH-rer shtrook-too-REE-renDanke für das Feedback. Ich werde darüber nachdenken.
Thank you for the feedback. I will think about it.DAHN-kuh für dahs FEED-bahk. ikh VAIR-duh dah-RÜ-ber NAHKH-den-kenGern. Ich finde, deine Argumente sind sonst sehr überzeugend.
You're welcome. I think your arguments are otherwise very convincing.gairn. ikh FIN-duh, DINE-uh ar-goo-MEN-tuh zint zonst zair ü-ber-TSOY-gentDas ist hilfreich, danke. Ich nehme das mit.
That's helpful, thanks. I'll take that on board.dahs ist HILF-rakh, DAHN-kuh. ikh NAY-muh dahs mitA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, directness is often valued, but when receiving feedback, showing appreciation is still important. Using 'Danke' is expected. In formal contexts, especially in business, 'Rückmeldung' is preferred over 'Feedback', which can sound slightly informal. In Austria and Switzerland, 'Feedback' is also used, but 'Rückmeldung' is common in written communication. Avoid responding with just 'Okay' as it may seem dismissive; always include a thank-you.
One thing to watch for
Responding with 'Ich weiß' (I know) or 'Das stimmt nicht' (That's not true) immediately, which can sound defensive.
Try this instead: Instead, thank the person first: 'Danke für das Feedback. Ich sehe das anders, aber ich denke darüber nach.' (Thank you for the feedback. I see it differently, but I'll think about it.) This acknowledges the feedback without agreeing.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you politely thank a colleague for feedback in a formal email?
Show a sample answer
Vielen Dank für die Rückmeldung.
This is formal and uses 'Rückmeldung', which is preferred in professional written communication. 'Danke für das Feedback' is also acceptable but slightly less formal.
2What phrase can you use to say you will take feedback on board informally?
Show a sample answer
Ich nehme das mit.
This informal phrase literally means 'I'll take that with me' and indicates you will consider the feedback. In formal contexts, 'Ich werde das berücksichtigen' is better.
3What is a common mistake when receiving feedback in German?
Show a sample answer
Responding defensively without thanking the person.
It's important to thank the person first, even if you disagree. For example, 'Danke für das Feedback. Ich sehe das anders.' This maintains politeness.
Always start by thanking the person for their feedback, then indicate how you will handle it. Use 'Danke für das Feedback' or 'Vielen Dank für die Rückmeldung' depending on formality.
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