Saying “no” will be troublesome in any language, however it may be extremely difficult while you’re not fluent within the language you’re attempting to speak in. Whether or not you’re a vacationer in Hamburg or speaking with German-speaking colleagues or buddies, it’s necessary to know the right way to reply with the fundamental nein or no in German.
On this article, we’ll cowl all the things you might want to know to say no confidently in any scenario. From primary vocabulary and pronunciation to cultural issues and customary expressions, we bought you coated! Let’s start!
Studying to say no throughout your travels is important for guaranteeing that you’ve got a protected and pleasurable expertise. You see, this easy phrase may also help you keep away from probably harmful conditions, undesirable consideration, and scams, permitting you to concentrate on the constructive features of your journey.
Throughout my journey to Germany, I used the facility of “no” when a stranger approached me on the road and requested if I wished to go to a bar with him. Though he appeared pleasant sufficient, I didn’t really feel snug going with somebody I had simply met, particularly since I used to be touring alone. I politely declined his invitation and continued on my manner, feeling assured in my means to set boundaries and prioritize my very own security.
From that time ahead, I noticed one factor: with the ability to talk within the native language could make an enormous distinction! Though many Germans communicate English, I discovered that talking even primary German phrases empowered me to navigate the nation independently and join extra deeply with the locals. Plus, I discovered that Germans had been typically extra receptive and pleasant once I made an effort to talk German, even when it was only a easy response to a sure or no query or exhibiting thanks with a danke.
So that can assist you out, I rounded up on this put up all one of the best and best conversational phrases and German phrases for saying no. This put up is ideal for English audio system who’re completely new to this language, as we’ll additionally contact on some grammatical and cultural features as nicely. If you happen to’re prepared for that and extra, then preserve studying under!
How Do You Say No In German?
Essentially the most simple approach to say “no” in German is the phrase “Nein.” To make this sound more practical, it’s necessary to make use of a agency however well mannered tone of voice and to concentrate on nonverbal cues resembling shaking your head to convey a unfavourable response. Relying on the scenario, you might also broaden your response to sound extra pure and comfy in the intervening time.
Query 1: Do you have got the keys? = Hast du die Schlüssel?
- No = Nein.
- No, I don’t have the keys = Nein, ich habe die Schlüssel nicht.
As you’ll be able to see from the instance above, responding with the German phrase “nein” is appropriate, nevertheless it doesn’t sound as well mannered or pleasant as we’d like, proper? On this case, you’ll be able to supply an expanded response through the use of “nicht” after the verb and inserting it on the finish of the sentence. We use this phrase each time we negate verbs, nouns, adjectives, and adverbs. Nevertheless, do word which you could additionally use the phrase “kein” in forming responses, as it could actually be translated to “not” or “no.”
Query 2: Do you have got cash? = Hast Du Geld?
- No = Nein.
- I’ve no cash = Ich habe kein Geld.
Sounds fairly simple, proper? Now when you actually wish to sound extra well mannered, you may also begin with a phrase like “Tut mir leid,” which suggests I’m sorry, or with “Nun” and “Naja,” that are considerably the identical with nicely in English.
Phrases To Say No In German
Seeking to politely decline one thing in German past the traditional “nein”? You’re in luck! On this part, we’ll cowl the fundamentals as a way to shortly and simply memorize these phrases and confidently use them in your each day conversations.
| English | German | Context |
| No | Nee | Colloquial |
| No | Nö | Utilized in books and in on a regular basis speech. Watch out, although, because it comes off as a bit impolite. |
| No | Nich | Used particularly within the Berlin dialect as a contraction for nicht. |
| Possibly | Jein | Utilized in each day conversations and combines ja and nein. |
| Sadly, no | Leider nicht/nein | Used to sound extra well mannered because it actually interprets to “Sadly, no” in English. |
Necessary German Phrases For Saying No
Whenever you go to Germany, it’s not simply the phrases that you might want to concentrate on! If you wish to talk successfully, studying conversational phrases that’ll enable you get by in on a regular basis conditions is simply as necessary. On this part, we rounded up different methods to say no that can be utilized in a number of real-world conversations.
| English | German |
| Completely not | Auf gar keinen Fall |
| Under no circumstances | Überhaupt nicht |
| Positively not | Absolut nicht |
| I don’t suppose so | Ich glaube nicht |
| I’d moderately not go | Ich gehe lieber nicht |
| I’ll cross | Ich verzichte/Ich passe |
| I’m not | Ich habe kein Interesse |
| Possibly one other time | Vielleicht ein anderes Mal |
| No manner | Nie und nimmer |
| No, I don’t wish to. | Nein, ich will nicht. |
| No, thanks | Nein, danke |
| Under no circumstances | Gar nicht |
| Not proper now | Nicht jetzt |
| Sorry, I can’t | Es tut mir leid, ich kann nicht |
| That doesn’t work for me | Das passt mir nicht |
| … is completely forbidden in my automobile. | … ist in meinem Auto absolut verboten |
| That’s not allowed right here | Das ist hier nicht erlaubt |
| Sadly, I’ve to say no | Ich muss leider ablehnen |
Observe Conversations In German
Able to say no like a boss in German? We’ve bought you coated with some real-life conditions and superior methods to close them down politely.
| State of affairs | English | German |
| Somebody asks you to do a favor, however you don’t owe them something. | No, thanks. I’m drained and wish to sleep. | Nein, danke. Ich bin müde und möchte schlafen. |
| Somebody gives you a cigarette, however you don’t smoke. | No, thanks. I don’t smoke. | Nein, danke. Ich rauche nicht. |
| Somebody invitations you to a celebration, however you have got different plans. | No, thanks. I have already got one thing to do. | Nein, danke. Ich habe schon etwas vor. |
| Somebody asks you to lend them cash, however you don’t wish to. | No, I’m sorry. I can’t lend you cash. | Nein, tut mir leid. Ich kann dir kein Geld leihen. |
| Somebody tries to promote you one thing, however you’re not . | No, thanks. I don’t want that. | Nein, danke. Ich brauche das nicht. |
| Somebody asks you to affix a membership, however you’re not into it. | No, thanks. That’s not my factor. | Nein, danke. Das ist nicht mein Ding. |
| Somebody asks you to assist them with a challenge, however you’re busy. | No, I’m sorry. I don’t have time. | Nein, tut mir leid. Ich habe keine Zeit. |
| Somebody asks you to observe their youngsters, however you don’t like kids. | No, thanks. I don’t like kids. | Nein, danke. Ich magazine keine Kinder. |
| Somebody asks you to go on a date, however you’re not interested in them. | No, thanks. You’re not my sort. | Nein, danke. Du bist nicht mein Typ. |
| Somebody asks you to signal a petition, however you disagree with it. | No, thanks. I’m towards it. | Nein, danke. Ich bin dagegen. |
| Somebody asks you to donate to a charity, however you don’t have cash. | No, I’m sorry. I don’t have any cash left. | Nein, tut mir leid. Ich habe kein Geld übrig. |
| Somebody asks you to share your meals, however you’re hungry. | No, thanks. I’m hungry and wish to eat all the things. | Nein, danke. Ich habe Starvation und will alles essen. |
| Somebody asks you to do a favor however you don’t owe them something. | No, I’m sorry. I don’t owe you something. | Nein, tut mir leid. Ich bin dir nichts schuldig. |
Cultural Concerns In The German Language
Whereas the fundamentals of claiming no in German are pretty simple, there are some cultural issues to remember. Germans are likely to worth directness and honesty, so it’s necessary to be clear and concise when declining one thing.
On the identical time, Germans additionally worth politeness and respect, so it’s necessary to make use of well mannered language when declining. This implies utilizing phrases like “leider nein” (sadly no) or “ich muss passen” (I’ve to cross) as an alternative of merely saying “nein” (no). Nevertheless, the locals mentioned that it’s completely acceptable to say “nein” when talking with whole strangers.
It’s additionally value noting that Germans are typically punctual and worth effectivity. If you might want to decline an invite or request, achieve this as quickly as potential so the opposite particular person could make different plans.
Begin Studying German Phrases And Phrases Right this moment!
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