Although they look similar, the words above have distinct meanings and contexts in which they are used.

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It is easiest to begin with the reflexive verb sich bedanken, which is used as a more formal way to say "thank you": 

Ich bedanke mich für Ihre Aufmerksamkeit.

Thank you for your attention.

Caption 34, Nicos Weg B1: Analog oder digital?

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Die haben sich nicht mal für die Torte bedankt.

They didn't even say thank you for the cake.

Caption 58, Tiere bis unters Dach: Hundeherz

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Die Gedanken has nothing to do with gratitude and is the plural form of der Gedanke, which means "the thought." The expression sich Gedanken machen means "to consider."

Doch die Gedanken kommen und fliegen

But the thoughts come and take flight

Caption 11, Andreas Bourani: Alles nur in meinem Kopf

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Sehr gut. Ich werde mir Gedanken über deine Note machen .

Very good. I'm going to consider your grade.

Caption 55, Bundesländer und ihre Rezepte: Rheinland-Pfalz

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The noun die Bedenken is mostly used in its plural form to signal doubts or reservations. The verb bedenken means "to keep in mind" or "to consider." 

Nee, Angst nicht direkt, eher Bedenken, aber Angst?

No, fear, not exactly, more reservations, but fear?

Caption 19, Summer Cheergirl: Fotoshooting mit Alligatoren

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Der Automobil-Club gibt dabei aber zu bedenken: Man sollte nicht nur auf das Modell achten.

The Automobile Club offers for consideration, however: you should not only pay attention to the model.

Captions 19-20, Rhein-Main-TV Veränderungen: für das Autofahrerjahr 2015

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To talk about commemorating or honoring someone or something, we use gedenken, which takes the genitive case. The noun das Gedenken has a related meaning.

Sie gedenken der Opfer des KZ-Außenlagers [KZ: Konzentrationslager] Katzbach in Frankfurt.

They are honoring the memory of the victims of Katzbach Sub-Concentration Camp in Frankfurt.

Caption 5, Rheinmain im Blick: Gedenken an KZ-Außenlager in Frankfurt

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Mit dem namentlichen Gedenken möchte Architektin Barbara Willecke ...

With memorialization by name, architect Barbara Willecke would like...

Caption 65, Holocaust-Gedenktag Gedenkstätte am Michelsberg

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Further Learning
Try using the verbs and nouns mentioned in this lesson and look for additional examples on Yabla German.

Did you know that the Beatles, owing in part to the time they spent in Hamburg at the start of their career, released a version of "She Loves You” in German? Its title is „Sie liebt dich“.

The German noun and verb for love (Liebe, lieben) are used with more variety of meaning than “love” in English. So, liebe (dear) Yabla subscribers, let’s see all of the different ways we can make love work for us in German!

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As illustrated above, the adjective liebe/lieber (dear) is used as an informal form of address. We see this usage in the following Yabla video, starting at the very top: with God.

Du lieber Gott, welchen Weg müssten die denn abends zurücklegen,

Dear God, which way would they have to travel in the evening,

wenn Köln Gulu wäre?

if Cologne were Gulu [a city in Uganda]?

Caption 47, World Vision - Wolfgang Niedecken

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Working our way down from God to tattoo exhibitions, we find: 

Liebe Zuschauer, es fand eine Tattoo-Ausstellung in Frankfurt im Hotel "Roomers" statt.

Dear viewers, a tattoo exhibition took place in Frankfurt at the Hotel Roomers.

Caption 1, Tätowierungen - Tattoo-Ausstellung

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If you would prefer your Liebe to mean more than merely "dear," listen to how Thomas uses a variation of the root word (lieb) to mean “rather” or “preferably”:

Aber ich glaube, ich nehm' mir lieber ein Taxi.

But I believe I'd rather take a taxi.

Caption 49, Melanie und Thomas - treffen sich

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This can work to express superlative preferences as well: 

Am liebsten vermutlich eine Sendung...

Most preferably, presumably, a broadcast...

Caption 54, Frauenfußball-WM - Der Bundespräsident am Ball

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If you prefer popularity to love, add the be- prefix for a refreshing change of meaning:

Orangensaft ist sehr beliebt in Deutschland.

Orange juice is very popular in Germany.

Caption 12, Jenny beim Frühstück - Teil 1

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Add -haber to lieb to stir up some enthusiasm:

Machst du ja auch Auftragswerke für Kunden oder für Interessent'... äh, Kunstliebhaber?

You also indeed do commissions for customers or for those interested... uh, art enthusiasts?

Caption 2, Lokalhelden - Art House

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Liebhaber can also mean “lover” in the more intimate sense:

Tristan und Isolde waren Liebhaber.

Tristan and Isolda were lovers.

And in the end, it is best to make love, even while preparing for war:

In zwei Sekunden Frieden stiften, Liebe machen und Feind vergiften...

In two seconds make peace, make love, and poison the enemy...

Caption 3, Andreas Bourani - Alles nur in meinem Kopf

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So you see that in German, the word for “love” (Liebe) is the basis for a number of different expressions ranging from “dear” to “preferably” to “enthusiast” to the actual object of one’s desire.