Read this blog post if you want to learn how to say no in German. Let’s get started!
How to say no in German
Saying “no” can be difficult, especially in a foreign language. Learning to say no in German can be especially challenging, as the language is known for its intricate rules and exceptions.
But with the right guidance and practice, you can easily learn how to say no in German. This article will cover 15 ways to say no in German, along with examples and explanations for each phrase.
Whether a beginner or a more advanced learner, the information here is invaluable for navigating conversations in German, so get ready to learn how to say no in German with confidence!
No
The easiest way to say no in German is with the word “nein”. Pronounce “nein” as you would any other word, in either a neutral tone or a slightly assertive voice.
You can also add a “nicht” in front of the word “nein” to make it even more clear that you are saying “no”. For example, if someone asks you if you want something, you can respond with “Ich will nicht”, which means “I do not want that”.
Remember that “nein” is not the same as “nicht”, though they sound similar. The word “nicht” is a much stronger way to say “no” than “nein”. It is used to deny facts or positive statements, while “nein” is used to deny only one’s actions.
Not really
If you want to say “not really” in German, you can use the phrase “nicht wirklich”. You can also say “eigentlich nicht” or “wirklich nicht” to convey the same thing.
For example, if someone asks you if you like a dish you’ve just tried, you can respond with “I do not like it” or “nicht wirklich”. Note that you cannot use the word “really” with this phrase.
So if someone asks you if you like something, you cannot respond with “I do like it” or “Ich wirklich es mag”. You must use one of the phrases above instead.
No, thanks
If someone offers you something or invites you to do something and you do not want to accept the offer, you can say “no, thanks” in German.
You can also use the phrase “nein danke”, which is even less formal than “no, thanks” in English. This phrase is used in both formal and informal conversations.
For example, if someone offers you a piece of candy, you can respond with “nein danke”. Note that you can also say “nein danke” if you have been invited to do something and do not want to accept the invitation.
For example, if someone asks you to go to the movies with them, you can respond with “nein danke”.
No, I do not do that.
If you want to say “I do not do that” in German, you can use the phrase “das tue ich nicht”. This phrase is normally used when someone asks you to do something, but you want to avoid accepting the task.
For example, if your supervisor asks you to do a certain report, you can respond with, “I do not do that”. Or, if someone asks you to translate a sentence for them, you can respond with, “I do not do that”.
Note that you can also use this phrase when someone is telling you something you do not agree with. For example, if a friend is trying to convince you to do something you do not agree with, you can respond with, “I do not do that”.
Not now
You can use the phrase “nun nicht” to say “not now” in German. This phrase is used when you want to avoid doing something or going somewhere at the current moment.
For example, if someone asks you when you want to meet for coffee, you can respond with “not now”. Or, if you are invited to a friend’s birthday party, you can respond with “not now”.
Remember that you can use this phrase in informal and formal conversations.
No thanks, I am good.
If you want to respond to someone’s offer or invitation with “no thanks, I am good” in German, you can use the phrase “das reicht mir”.
This phrase is most commonly used when someone asks you if you want some food or drink, and you do not want to accept the offer.
For example, if someone offers you cake, you can respond with “no thanks, I am good”. Or, if someone offers you a beverage, you can respond with “no thanks, I am good”.
Note that you can also use this phrase when someone is telling you something you do not agree with. For example, if a friend is trying to convince you to do something you do not agree with, you can respond with “no thanks, I am good”.
No, I do not want that.
If someone is offering you something, and you do not want it, you can respond with “no, I do not want that” in German. For example, if someone offers you food, you can respond with “no, I do not want that”.
Or, if someone offers you a gift, you can respond with “no, I do not want that”. Note that you can also use the phrase “das will ich nicht” when responding to someone telling you something.
For example, if someone is trying to convince you to do something you do not agree with, you can respond with, “no, I do not want that”.
No, I have already tried.
If someone asks you if you have tried something, like a certain dish or a sport, you can respond with “no, I have already tried” in German.
For example, if a friend asks you if you have tried surfing, you can respond with, “no, I have already tried”. Or, if a coworker asks you if you have tried a new computer program, you can respond with “no, I have already tried”.
Note that you can also use the phrase “das habe ich schon versucht”. This phrase is also commonly used when someone asks you if you have tried something.
Learning a new language can be challenging, but it’s important to know the appropriate words and phrases to use in any situation.
