to thank
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to thank
To express one's thanks for something; to tell someone that you are grateful for help, a gift, or a kindness.
Ich wollte mich noch einmal herzlich für Ihre Hilfe bedanken.
I wanted to thank you once again sincerely for your help.
The verb 'bedanken' (to thank) is reflexive and is always used with a reflexive pronoun: 'mich', 'dich', 'sich', 'uns', 'euch'. This pronoun must always match the subject of the sentence.
Ich bedanke mich für die Einladung.
I thank you for the invitation.
The verb has a fixed structure: you thank someone with 'bei' plus a person in the dative, and 'für' plus a thing in the accusative. Both prepositions are often necessary for a complete sentence.
Er bedankt sich bei seiner Kollegin für die Unterstützung.
He thanks his colleague for the support.
The prefix 'be-' is inseparable. It stays firmly attached to the verb stem 'danken' in all tenses and sentence types.
Sie bedankte sich mit einem Lächeln.
She thanked him with a smile.
In colloquial language, 'Na, da bedanke ich mich!' can be an ironic way to reject an unpleasant offer. The tone of voice makes the meaning clear here.
Noch mehr Arbeit für das gleiche Geld? Da bedanke ich mich aber.
Even more work for the same pay? No thanks, I'll pass.
to give up / to do without
'verzichten' and 'sich bedanken' can both express that you do not want something in a special colloquial meaning. 'verzichten' is neutral and clear: you voluntarily decide against something. 'Sich bedanken' normally means to say thank you, but used ironically it can mean: I definitely do not want that. This ironic use is more common in spoken language and often sounds rejecting or annoyed. In normal or formal situations, 'verzichten auf' is more precise and safer.
Bei so viel Streit bedanke ich mich und bleibe lieber zu Hause.
With that much arguing, I'll pass and would rather stay at home.
In der Pause verzichtet er wegen des Wetters auf den Spaziergang.
During the break, he gives up the walk because of the weather.