absolut nicht
/ap.zoˈluːt nɪçt/word by word
German 'absolutely not' is expressed as absolut nicht.
absolut nicht is a strong and emphatic way to say no or to disagree completely.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of 'absolutely not', where absolut means 'absolutely' and nicht means 'not'.
Which one should you use?
While gar nicht is a common alternative meaning 'not at all', absolut nicht is used to emphasize the absolute nature of the negation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria, the dialect phrase Auf koa G'foll is used to mean 'absolutely not'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ap.zoˈluːt nɪçt/. The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word nicht originally comes from a combination of two words meaning 'never' and 'creature'. It literally evolved from a phrase meaning 'not a single creature'.
- Unlike English, where 'absolutely' can sometimes be used ironically to mean 'yes', absolut nicht is almost never used sarcastically to mean agreement in German.
Examples in context
- Die Kombination aus früh, kalt und dunkel ist absolut nicht mein Ding!The combination of early, cold and dark is absolutely not my thing.This sentence shows how to use absolut nicht to express strong personal dislike.Tatoeba #1927260 by Esperantostern, translation #11143415 by sundown
- Das ist absolut nicht erlaubt.That is absolutely not allowed.
- Ich möchte das absolut nicht machen.I absolutely do not want to do that.
Example conversation
Laura asks Felix if he wants to go to a loud party.
- LauraWillst du heute Abend mit zur Party kommen?Do you want to come to the party tonight?
- FelixNein, das ist absolut nicht mein Stil.No, that is absolutely not my style.
- LauraWarum bist du so schlecht gelaunt?Why are you in such a bad mood?
- FelixIch bin nur sehr müde, Laura.I am just very tired, Laura.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (absolut, nicht) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries absolut, nicht, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
