How To Say ‘No’ in German: 11 Formal and Casual Methods

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Absolutely understanding tips on how to say “no” in German means having the best strategy to refuse one thing in the best context. The phrase for “no” in German is nein, pronounced just like the quantity “9” in English. That is probably the most simple strategy to refuse one thing within the German language. Whether or not you’re politely declining, strongly rejecting, or casually brushing one thing off, selecting the best German phrase or phrase could make all of the distinction. That’s why scheduling a session with any of Rosetta Stone’s tutors is so widespread for individuals who wish to follow conversations in context!

Formal methods to say “no” in German

Oftentimes, once we say nein (no), we don’t need an excessive amount of depth behind it. In formal settings, you normally wish to merely decline one thing with out coming throughout too strongly. When this example arises, attain into your linguistic pocket for one in every of these formal methods to say “no” in German.

Nein

That is the golden normal for a easy refusal in German. Nein is the direct translation for tips on how to say “no” in German. This phrase can be utilized as a standalone to say no one thing, or you’ll be able to add a well mannered danke after it to be gracious. 

• Query: Haben Sie Starvation? = Are you hungry?
• Query: Ist das Ihr Auto? = Is that your automobile?
• Query: Möchten Sie mehr Bier? = Would you want extra beer?
  • Reply: Nein, danke. = No, thanks.

Nicht

Negating a sentence in German normally requires just a little greater than a easy “no.” The German phrase nicht (not) is used whenever you wish to negate German verbs, German adjectives, and sure adverbs in German. You’ll normally see this time period used after the verb of the sentence however earlier than adjectives and adverbs.

• Query: Schlafen Sie? = Are you sleeping?
  • Reply: Ich schlafe nicht. = I’m not sleeping.
• Query: Ist Ihr Bett grün? = Is your mattress inexperienced?
  • Reply: Mein Bett ist nicht grün. = My mattress just isn’t inexperienced.

Kein

Whenever you write a sentence in German and wish to negate German nouns, kein (no/not any) ought to be your go-to. Pay shut consideration to the noun with which you’re negating kein, as a result of the ending of kein will usually have to vary to agree with the noun on gender, quantity, and case.

• Query: Haben Sie ein Auto? = Do you’ve got a automobile?
  • Reply: Ich habe kein Auto. = I do not need a automobile.
• Query: Tragen Sie Schuhe? = Are you carrying sneakers?
  • Reply: Ich trage keine Schuhe. = I’m not carrying sneakers.

Discover the modifications to the endings of kein primarily based on the noun it’s negating. 

Keineswegs

Typically, there’s simply no strategy to get one thing carried out, so talk this formally with keineswegs (in no way). For instance, you’ll be able to say Keineswegs kann Ich fliegen, which means “In no way can I fly,” because you’re not a chicken!

Niemals

If the reply is “no” for now and without end, then you’ll be able to formally say this with the German phrase niemals (by no means). Present your dedication to your dream job when somebody asks Würden Sie Ihren Job aufgeben? (Would you give up your job?) by answering Niemals, ich liebe ihn! (By no means, I adore it!).

Leider nicht

Whereas mandatory, you may discover that saying “no” in German might be upsetting to your listener or reader. To melt the blow in formal conditions, attempt utilizing leider nicht (sadly not). Gently reply the query Gibt es genug Nachtisch für alle? (Is there sufficient dessert for everybody?) by informing them leider nicht.

Easy methods to say “no” in German informally

Round family and friends, formality usually takes a backseat in favor of ardour and familiarity. Discover ways to say “no” in German informally round your shut buddies and family members with these phrases.

Nö

Casually decline one thing with nö (nope) in German. Pay shut consideration to the pronunciation of that German umlaut, or “ö” to be sure to get your message throughout appropriately.

Nee

Nee (nah) is an effective way to make a refusal should you wrestle with umlaut pronunciations within the early levels of your language-learning journey. It is a informal strategy to brush one thing off in German slang with out an excessive amount of emotion or severity.

Absolut nicht!

Let your ardour present how a lot you disagree with one thing or how a lot you don’t need it with Absolut nicht! (Completely not!). If you happen to use this time period, be ready for an emotional response since it is best to solely use this time period when one thing is totally out of the query.

Das geht nicht

Issues that aren‘t true or just don’t work might be responded to with the German phrase das geht nicht (that doesn’t go). For instance, if somebody referred to as you dumb, you’ll be able to reply with Das geht nicht, ich bin Klug! which means “That doesn’t go, I’m sensible!” The wording might be awkward in direct translation, however this is able to make excellent sense to a German.

Vergiss es!

Whenever you come throughout a suggestion so unpleasant that you just by no means wish to hear it once more, you’ll be able to passionately reply with vergiss es (neglect it). Ought to your clumsy pal ask Kann ich dein Auto für eine Woche ausleihen? which means “Can I borrow your automobile for per week?” you’ll be able to say Vergiss es! with gusto!

Confidently say a German “no” with Rosetta Stone

Studying tips on how to say “no” in German is about extra than simply vocabulary—it’s about understanding context, tone, and the best degree of politeness for every scenario. Whether or not you’re casually shutting down a pal’s dangerous thought, politely declining a proposal, or firmly rejecting one thing, the phrases on this information will allow you to navigate conversations with ease.

Take your German expertise even additional by increasing your vocabulary and refining your pronunciation. With Rosetta Stone, you’ll be able to follow real-life conversations, get direct suggestions in your pronunciations with TruAccent, and achieve the boldness to speak naturally in any scenario.