nicht mehr
/nɪçt meːr/word by word
In German, the English phrase 'anymore' is expressed as nicht mehr.
nicht mehr is used in negative sentences to indicate that a situation which existed in the past has now changed.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of nicht (not) and mehr (more), literally meaning 'not more'.
How does it change in a sentence?
While nicht mehr is used to negate verbs, you should use kein … mehr when you are negating a noun (meaning 'no … anymore').
How do you pronounce it?
/nɪçt meːr/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When you want to say 'no … anymore' in relation to a noun, do not use nicht mehr. Instead, use kein … mehr.
Did you know?
- The word nicht was originally a combination of two separate words meaning 'never' and 'creature'. It literally evolved from a phrase meaning 'not a single creature'.
- In certain German dialects, particularly in the south, you may hear nimmer instead of nicht mehr. This is a single-word version that is more common in poetry and folk songs.
- The word nicht shares an ancient root with the English word 'naught', which also comes from a term for a 'small thing' or 'nothing'.
Examples in context
- Ruf nicht mehr an!Don't call anymore.This sentence is useful for showing how to use nicht mehr with an imperative.Tatoeba #11806721 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6072175 by OsoHombre
- Ich lüge nicht mehr.I don't lie anymore.This sentence is useful for showing how to use nicht mehr with a verb.Tatoeba #10233582 by wolfgangth, translation #2853406 by CK
- Er trinkt nicht mehr.He doesn't drink anymore.Tatoeba #4042227 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2006398 by Spamster
- Ich kann das nicht mehr tun.I can't do that anymore.
- Er arbeitet nicht mehr hier.He doesn't work here anymore.
- Dieses Problem existiert nicht mehr.This problem doesn't exist anymore.
- Es gibt keine Hoffnung mehr.There is no hope anymore.
- Es gibt keine Möglichkeit mehr.There is no possibility anymore.
- Ich habe keine Lust mehr.I don't feel like it anymore.
- Das schmeckt mir nicht mehr.I no longer like the taste of that.
- Ich kann ihn nicht mehr sehen.I can't stand him anymore.
- 1098 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are talking about their old apartment.
- LauraWohnst du nicht mehr in Berlin?Don't you live in Berlin anymore?
- FelixNein, ich wohne nicht mehr dort.No, I don't live there anymore.
- LauraDas ist schade, Felix.That's a pity, Felix.
- FelixJa, aber ich mag meine neue Stadt.Yes, but I like my new city.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (nicht, mehr) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mehr, nicht, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
