ich bin nicht einverstanden
The English phrase "I disagree" is translated into German as ich bin nicht einverstanden.
Which one should you use?
While ich bin nicht einverstanden expresses a lack of agreement with a proposal or idea, the phrase Ich widerspreche dir is more direct and implies a contradiction of a person's statement.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ich bin da anderer Meinung is a more formal and polite way to express disagreement in a discussion than ich bin nicht einverstanden. Other formal options include Ich bin anderer Meinung. (I have a different opinion), Ich teile Ihre Ansicht nicht. (I don't share your view), and Ich bin da anderer Ansicht. (I have a different point of view). For an informal setting, you can use Ich bin anderer Meinung als du. (I have a different opinion than you).
Did you know?
- The phrase ich bin nicht einverstanden uses the word nicht, which was originally a combination of nio meaning 'never' and wiht meaning 'creature'.
- In German, expressing disagreement through the formal phrase Ich teile Ihre Ansicht nicht can actually be a tool to maintain professional distance and prevent personal conflict.
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are discussing a new rule at work.
- LauraWir sollten früher anfangen zu arbeiten.We should start working earlier.
- LukasDas ist eine sehr gute Idee.That is a very good idea.
- LauraAber ich bin nicht einverstanden, Lukas.But I disagree, Lukas.
- LukasWarum denkst du das?Why do you think that?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bin, einverstanden, ich, nicht, CC BY-SA 4.0.
