Bitte vs. danke
The German words bitte and danke are fundamental pillars of polite conversation. While they are often used together, they have completely different meanings: danke is used to express gratitude, whereas bitte is a versatile word with several polite functions.
Bitte
A1The word bitte is incredibly versatile. It primarily means please when making a request. However, it also means 'you're welcome' in response to a thank you, here you go when handing something over, pardon? when you didn't understand something, and may I help you? in a service context.
Kann ich bitte das Salz haben?
(Can I please have the salt?)
Ein Bier, bitte.
(One beer, please.)
Danke für die Hilfe! - Bitte.
(Thanks for the help! - You're welcome.)
Vielen Dank! - Bitte schön.
(Thank you very much! - You are very welcome.)
Hier ist Ihr Kaffee. - Danke schön. - Bitte sehr.
(Here is your coffee. - Thank you very much. - You are most welcome / Here you go.)
Wie bitte? Ich habe das nicht gehört.
(Pardon? I did not hear that.)
Bitte, was darf es für Sie sein?
(May I help you, what can I get for you?)
Möchten Sie eintreten? - Ja, danke. - Bitte.
(Would you like to come in? - Yes, thank you. - After you.)
Danke
A1The word danke is straightforward and is used to express gratitude. It is the direct equivalent of thank you or thanks. It can be used alone or in phrases to intensify the meaning.
Möchtest du einen Keks? - Ja, danke!
(Would you like a cookie? - Yes, thank you!)
Das ist sehr nett von dir, danke schön.
(That is very nice of you, thank you very much.)
Vielen Dank für das wunderbare Geschenk.
(Many thanks for the wonderful gift.)
Ich brauche keine Hilfe, aber danke.
(I don't need any help, but thank you.)
Soll ich dir noch Tee einschenken? - Nein, danke.
(Should I pour you more tea? - No, thank you.)
Summary
In summary, the key difference is their function. Danke is used exclusively to show thanks and appreciation. Bitte is a multi-purpose word of politeness used to make requests (please), respond to thanks ('you're welcome'), offer something (here you go), or ask for repetition (pardon?). Think of danke as giving thanks and bitte as a polite word for almost every other situation.