ich spreche kein Deutsch
/ɪç ˈʃpʁɛçə kaɪ̯n ˈdɔʏ̯tʃ/
To say "I don't speak german" in German, use ich spreche kein Deutsch.
This phrase is used to inform someone that you are unable to communicate in the German language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I speak no German", as it uses the negative article kein (no/none) rather than a negated verb.
Which one should you use?
While ich spreche kein Deutsch focuses on the act of speaking, the colloquial alternative Ich kann kein Deutsch is often used to mean "I don't know German" or "I can't [do] German".
How does it change in a sentence?
If you wish to indicate that you have very limited knowledge of the language rather than no knowledge at all, use Ich spreche nur ein bisschen Deutsch (I only speak a little German).
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪç ˈʃpʁɛçə kaɪ̯n ˈdɔʏ̯tʃ/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Ich spreche kein Deutsch.I don't speak German.Tatoeba #863567 by Shishir, translation #482351 by adjusting
- Ich spreche kein Deutsch, aber ich bin germanophil.I don't speak German, but I'm a germanophile.Tatoeba #575876 by MUIRIEL, translation #12250350 by Miktsoanit
- Entschuldigung, aber ich spreche kein Deutsch.Excuse me, but I don't speak German.
- Tut mir leid, aber ich kann kein Deutsch.I'm sorry, but I can't speak German.
- Tut mir leid, ich spreche kein Deutsch.I am sorry, I don't speak German.
Example conversation
Maximilian tries to ask Laura for directions in German.
- MaximilianHallo, können Sie mir helfen?Hello, can you help me?
- LauraEntschuldigung, ich spreche kein Deutsch.Sorry, I don't speak German.
- MaximilianOh, sprechen Sie Englisch?Oh, do you speak English?
- LauraJa, ich spreche Englisch.Yes, I speak English.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ich spreche kein Deutsch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Deutsch, deutsch, ich, kein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
