In German
Gern geschehen
Meaning: you're welcome
Formal or informal? “Gern geschehen” is polite and complete. “Bitte” is shorter and more common in everyday speech.
Example sentences
Danke!–Gerngeschehen!
Thanks! – You're welcome!
Gerngeschehen,daswarkeinProblem.
You're welcome, it was no problem.
Gerngeschehen,kommjederzeitwieder.
You're welcome, come back any time.
Grammar note
“geschehen” is the past participle of “geschehen” (to happen), so the phrase literally means “happened gladly”.
Quick check
Which of these is a polite reply to “Danke”?
More words on this topic
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Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
Is “Gern geschehen” the same as “Bitte”?
They're both replies to thanks. “Gern geschehen” is longer and a bit warmer; “Bitte” is the everyday short form.
Can I answer “Danke” with “Danke”?
Yes, Germans sometimes do that too, but “Gern geschehen” or “Bitte” is the more natural reply.