How to Say "I don't know" in German
The most natural way to say "I don't know" in German is Ich weiß nicht. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.
Other ways to say it
When to use it
You can use this phrase when you genuinely do not have the information someone is asking for. It is appropriate in both casual and formal situations. It's a straightforward way to express uncertainty or lack of knowledge.
Say it out loud, get corrected
Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "I don't know" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.
Examples in German
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Ich weiß nicht, wo er ist. | I don't know where he is. |
| Ich habe keine Ahnung, was das bedeutet. | I have no idea what that means. |
The fastest way to remember it
Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Ich weiß nicht, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking German with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.
Frequently asked questions
When should I use 'Ich weiß nicht'?
Use it whenever you need to express that you do not have the answer to a question.
Learn German by speaking it
Two free conversations. No card needed.