Fully understanding how to say “no” in German means having the right way to refuse something in the right context. The word for “no” in German is nein, pronounced like the number “nine” in English. This is the most straightforward way to refuse something in the German language. Whether you’re politely declining, strongly rejecting, or casually brushing something off, choosing the right German word or phrase can make all the difference. That’s why scheduling a session with any of Rosetta Stone’s tutors is so popular for those who want to practice conversations in context!
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Formal ways to say “no” in German
Oftentimes, when we say nein (no), we don’t want too much intensity behind it. In formal settings, you usually want to simply decline something without coming across too strongly. When this situation arises, reach into your linguistic pocket for one of these formal ways to say “no” in German.
Nein
This is the golden standard for a simple refusal in German. Nein is the direct translation for how to say “no” in German. This word can be used as a standalone to decline something, or you can add a polite danke after it to be gracious.
- Question: Haben Sie Hunger? = Are you hungry?
- Answer: Nein. = No.
- Question: Ist das Ihr Auto? = Is that your car?
- Answer: Nein. = No.
- Question: Möchten Sie mehr Bier? = Would you like more beer?
- Answer: Nein, danke. = No, thank you.
Nicht
Negating a sentence in German usually requires a little more than a simple “no.” The German word nicht (not) is used when you want to negate German verbs, German adjectives, and certain adverbs in German. You will usually see this term used after the verb of the sentence but before adjectives and adverbs.
- Question: Schlafen Sie? = Are you sleeping?
- Answer: Ich schlafe nicht. = I am not sleeping.
- Question: Ist Ihr Bett grün? = Is your bed green?
- Answer: Mein Bett ist nicht grün. = My bed is not green.
Kein
When you write a sentence in German and want to negate German nouns, kein (no/not any) should be your go-to. Pay close attention to the noun with which you’re negating kein, because the ending of kein will often have to change to agree with the noun on gender, number, and case.
- Question: Haben Sie ein Auto? = Do you have a car?
- Answer: Ich habe kein Auto. = I do not have a car.
- Question: Tragen Sie Schuhe? = Are you wearing shoes?
- Answer: Ich trage keine Schuhe. = I am not wearing shoes.
Notice the changes to the endings of kein based on the noun it’s negating.
Keineswegs
Sometimes, there’s just no way to get something done, so communicate this formally with keineswegs (by no means). For example, you can say Keineswegs kann Ich fliegen, meaning “By no means can I fly,” since you’re not a bird!
Niemals
If the answer is “no” for now and forever, then you can formally say this with the German word niemals (never). Show your commitment to your dream job when someone asks Würden Sie Ihren Job aufgeben? (Would you quit your job?) by answering Niemals, ich liebe ihn! (Never, I love it!).
Leider nicht
While necessary, you might find that saying “no” in German can be upsetting to your listener or reader. To soften the blow in formal situations, try using leider nicht (unfortunately not). Gently answer the question Gibt es genug Nachtisch für alle? (Is there enough dessert for everyone?) by informing them leider nicht.
How to say “no” in German informally
Around friends and family, formality often takes a backseat in favor of passion and familiarity. Learn how to say “no” in German informally around your close friends and loved ones with these terms.
Nö
Casually decline something with nö (nope) in German. Pay close attention to the pronunciation of that German umlaut, or “ö” to make sure you get your message across correctly.
Nee
Nee (nah) is a great way to make a refusal if you struggle with umlaut pronunciations in the early stages of your language-learning journey. This is a casual way to brush something off in German slang without too much emotion or severity.
Absolut nicht!
Let your passion show how much you disagree with something or how much you don’t want it with Absolut nicht! (Absolutely not!). If you use this term, be prepared for an emotional reaction since you should only use this term when something is completely out of the question.
Das geht nicht
Things that aren‘t true or simply don’t work can be responded to with the German phrase das geht nicht (that doesn’t go). For example, if someone called you dumb, you can respond with Das geht nicht, ich bin Klug! meaning “That doesn’t go, I am smart!” The wording can be awkward in direct translation, but this would make perfect sense to a German.
Vergiss es!
When you come across a suggestion so disagreeable that you never want to hear it again, you can passionately respond with vergiss es (forget it). Should your clumsy friend ask Kann ich dein Auto für eine Woche ausleihen? meaning “Can I borrow your car for a week?” you can say Vergiss es! with gusto!
Confidently say a German “no” with Rosetta Stone
Learning how to say “no” in German is about more than just vocabulary—it’s about understanding context, tone, and the right level of politeness for each situation. Whether you’re casually shutting down a friend’s bad idea, politely declining an offer, or firmly rejecting something, the phrases in this guide will help you navigate conversations with ease.
Take your German skills even further by expanding your vocabulary and refining your pronunciation. With Rosetta Stone, you can practice real-life conversations, get direct feedback on your pronunciations with TruAccent, and gain the confidence to communicate naturally in any situation.
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