this post was submitted on 28 Apr 2024
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Asklemmy
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I see “no problem” as nicer. If I say that, I’m expressing that I really don’t mind, and there’s no need to thank me. No problem, as in I had no problem with doing this thing
“You’re welcome” feels more like “I appreciate you thanking me, because I went out of my way to do this”, if that makes any sense
Huh, to me, YW is much more gracious and positive that you're happy to do it, while NP is more like "it was a tolerable burden".
Though for paid service I don't like expected faux enthusiasm. I think "of course" is classy and not demeaning then, meaning "it's what I'm here for".
In German, "you're welcome" means "gern geschehen" which can be translated back to "I did it gladly". So yea, I also think YW is very positive
See, that's much closer to "(It was) my pleasure", which is a valid English response (though these days it puts people in the mind of "Chick-fil-A employee") than it is "You're welcome".
Duolingo taught me "wilkommen" for "welcome." Is that used IRL?
No, not in the context of "you're welcome". Wilkommen is only used for saying e.g. "welcome home"
Thanks!
Except “no problem” traditionally means “no problem [despite this situation containing a likely problem]”.
It means the person being thanked has gone outside their set of responsibilities to help you.
Like “Thanks for letting us borrow your spare tire so we could get our car back to town” -> “no problem”.
Here the other person had no responsibility to help with the others’ flat tire, much less lend out a piece of their own safety equipment.
“You’re welcome” is the one which means “It is perfectly expected in our current roles that I would have provided this”.
And I see it totally opposite. Interesting.
Also, can you cite this “traditionally” you reference?
I go to DMV. “You need a number to be in this line”. “My mistake. Where do I get this number?” “Over there.” “Oh, I see, thank you.” “You’re welcome.”
Wow, because the DMV uses it? Thanks for the source! Wait, I’ve heard a person at the DMV say “no problem” before…
Also, I was asking the original commenter about the “traditional” use of “no problem”.