Meaning
Used to express appreciation for someone's kindness.
Cultural Background
Germans value directness. This phrase is a standard, sincere way to show appreciation without over-the-top flattery. Austrians often use 'lieb' instead of 'nett' for a slightly warmer, more affectionate tone. Swiss German speakers might use 'nett' but often prefer 'lieb' or 'sympathisch' in social contexts. In a professional setting, 'Das ist sehr freundlich von Ihnen' is preferred over 'nett'.
Use the dative
Always remember that 'von' takes the dative case. 'Dir' is the dative of 'du'.
Sincerity matters
Germans value sincerity. Don't use this phrase if you don't mean it, as it can sound sarcastic if the tone is wrong.
Meaning
Used to express appreciation for someone's kindness.
Use the dative
Always remember that 'von' takes the dative case. 'Dir' is the dative of 'du'.
Sincerity matters
Germans value sincerity. Don't use this phrase if you don't mean it, as it can sound sarcastic if the tone is wrong.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct dative pronoun.
Das ist nett ____ dir.
The preposition 'von' is used to indicate the source of the kindness.
Choose the correct formal version.
Which is the formal version of 'Das ist nett von dir'?
The formal 'Sie' becomes 'Ihnen' in the dative case.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ich habe dir das Buch mitgebracht.' B: '__________'
You are thanking the person who brought the book, so you use 'dir'.
Match the situation to the correct response.
Someone helps you with your heavy bags.
You are addressing the person who helped you.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDas ist nett ____ dir.
The preposition 'von' is used to indicate the source of the kindness.
Which is the formal version of 'Das ist nett von dir'?
The formal 'Sie' becomes 'Ihnen' in the dative case.
A: 'Ich habe dir das Buch mitgebracht.' B: '__________'
You are thanking the person who brought the book, so you use 'dir'.
Someone helps you with your heavy bags.
You are addressing the person who helped you.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but use the formal version: 'Das ist sehr freundlich von Ihnen'.
Sometimes, but in this phrase, it is perfectly appropriate for expressing gratitude.
Use 'Das ist lieb von dir'.
German uses 'von' to indicate the source of the kindness, similar to 'of' in English.
Related Phrases
Das ist sehr lieb von dir
similarThat is very sweet of you.
Vielen Dank
synonymMany thanks.
Das ist sehr freundlich von Ihnen
formalThat is very kind of you (formal).
Ich schätze das sehr
builds onI appreciate that very much.
