Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| irgendein | /ˈɪrɡəntˌaɪ̯n/ /ˈɪrɡəntˈaɪ̯n/ |
conditional, interrogative, singular |
| überhaupt kein | /ˌyːbɐˈhaʊ̯pt kaɪ̯n/ (word by word) | |
| irgendwelche | /ˈɪʁɡn̩tˌvɛlçə/ /ˈɪɐ̯n(t)vɛlçə/ (colloquial) |
conditional, interrogative, plural |
| kein | /kaɪ̯n/ /kɔɪ̯/ |
negative |
German uses different forms of 'any' depending on whether you are referring to a singular or plural amount, or expressing a negative. When you want to say 'anything' in an informal setting, you can use irgendwas.
What does it mean word for word?
The word irgendein is a compound of irgend- (some/any) and ein (one/a), which literally translates to 'some kind of' or 'any one'.
Which one should you use?
Use irgendein for singular items and irgendwelche when you are referring to an indefinite plural amount or variety. In negative sentences, instead of using 'nicht' with 'irgendein' to mean 'not any', German uses kein to express the absence of something. For extra emphasis, you can use überhaupt kein to mean 'not any at all' or 'absolutely no'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Use irgendwelche instead of irgendein when referring to an indefinite plural amount or variety.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɪrɡəntˌaɪ̯n/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often try to translate 'not any' literally as 'nicht irgendein', but in many contexts, the correct way to express the absence of something is simply using kein.
Did you know?
- The word überhaupt, used for emphasis in 'not any at all', is built from über meaning 'over' and Haupt meaning 'head'.
- The prefix irgend- acts like a verbal 'shrug'. It adds a sense of total uncertainty or indifference to the noun it precedes, similar to saying 'some random' in English.
- Using überhaupt kein can sound very aggressive or definitive depending on the tone, often implying the speaker is losing patience.
Examples in context
- Hast du kein Geld?Haven't you got any money?Tatoeba #1765860 by Zaghawa, translation #16745 by Dejo
- Hast du kein Bier?Don't you have any beer?Tatoeba #10015297 by wolfgangth, translation #2275386 by CK
- Habt ihr kein Geld?Don't you have any money?Tatoeba #1765861 by Zaghawa, translation #409018 by CK
- Hat jemand irgendwelche Fragen?Does anyone have any questions?
- Hast du irgendwas zu essen?Do you have anything to eat?
- Wir müssen irgendwas unternehmen.We need to do something.
- Kennt hier jemand ein gutes Restaurant?Does anyone know a good restaurant around here?
- 1954 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are looking at a menu in a cafe.
- JulianSiehst du irgendein Gericht, das gut aussieht?Do you see any dish that looks good?
- SarahJa, der Kuchen sieht lecker aus.Yes, the cake looks delicious.
- JulianSoll ich für uns bestellen?Should I order for us?
- SarahJa, bitte, Julian.Yes, please, Julian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “any” translations and entries irgendein, irgendwelche, kein, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (überhaupt, kein) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kein, überhaupt, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
