馃嚛馃嚜 German phrases

How to Say "No" in German

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Nein
"No" in German 路 say it like nine

The most natural way to say "No" in German is Nein. 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

N枚
a casual, informal way to say no
Nein danke
used when politely declining an offer

When to use it

You use 'Nein' when you want to refuse something or indicate disagreement. It is a straightforward and clear way to say no. You can use it in both formal and informal situations.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "No" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in German

GermanEnglish
M枚chtest du einen Kaffee? Nein.Would you like a coffee? No.
Hast du Zeit? Nein, ich bin besch盲ftigt.Do you have time? No, I am busy.
Common mistake
Learners often say 'Nein' too softly; it should be clear and firm.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Nein, 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

Is 'Nein' used in all situations?

Yes, 'Nein' is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

Learn German by speaking it

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