Ich spreche nur Englisch
The English phrase 'I only speak english' is translated into German as Ich spreche nur Englisch.
This phrase is used to inform others that English is the only language the speaker can communicate in.
Which one should you use?
The phrase Ich spreche nur Englisch focuses on the act of speaking. In contrast, Ich kann nur Englisch (using the verb 'können' for ability) is a very common way to express that one lacks the ability to speak other languages.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Ich spreche nur Englisch, the word nur (only) is placed before the language name to indicate that English is the sole language spoken.
Did you know?
- The word nur shares a surprising history with the Old High German phrase ni wāri, which literally meant 'were it not'.
- In some German dialects, speakers may omit the pronoun Ich entirely in casual conversation, simply saying Spreche nur Englisch.
Examples in context
- Es tut mir leid, ich spreche nur Englisch.I am sorry, I only speak English.
Example conversation
Julian tries to talk to Julia in German at a cafe.
- JulianGuten Tag, wie geht es Ihnen?Good day, how are you?
- JuliaIch spreche nur Englisch.I only speak English.
- JulianOh, kein Problem. Hello!Oh, no problem. Hello!
- JuliaHi! Nice to meet you, Julian.Hi! Nice to meet you, Julian.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ich, englisch, ich, nur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
