mein Deutsch ist schlecht
The English phrase 'my german is bad' is translated into German as mein Deutsch ist schlecht.
This phrase is used to inform someone that the speaker does not speak the German language well.
Which one should you use?
While mein Deutsch ist schlecht is grammatically correct, mein Deutsch ist nicht gut is often perceived as slightly more polite or less blunt in social interactions. A more natural way to express a lack of proficiency to a native speaker is Ich spreche nur ein bisschen Deutsch.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Deutsch is a neuter noun, so the possessive pronoun mein does not take an ending in the nominative case.
Did you know?
- The word Deutsch actually traces its roots back to a word meaning 'of the people'. It originally distinguished the vernacular language spoken by the common folk from the Latin used by the elite.
- Using the phrase mein Deutsch ist schlecht can sometimes be a 'false modesty' tactic that prompts native speakers to over-praise the speaker's actual ability.
- In some contexts, schlecht is used to describe things that are 'poor' in quality or quantity rather than 'evil' or 'bad' in a moral sense.
Examples in context
- Es tut mir leid, aber mein Deutsch ist nicht besonders gut.I'm sorry, but my German is not particularly good.
- Mein Deutsch ist echt schlecht.My German is really bad.
- Entschuldigung, aber mein Deutsch ist total mies.Sorry, but my German is really lousy.
- Entschuldigung, mein Deutsch ist schlecht.Excuse me, my German is bad.
- Ich lerne noch, mein Deutsch ist schlecht.I am still learning, my German is bad.
- Tut mir leid, mein Deutsch ist schlecht.I am sorry, my German is bad.
Example conversation
Felix is trying to ask Laura for directions in a street.
- FelixHallo, mein Deutsch ist schlecht.Hello, my German is bad.
- LauraKein Problem, ich spreche auch Englisch.No problem, I also speak English.
- FelixDanke, das hilft mir sehr.Thank you, that helps me a lot.
- LauraGerne, wie kann ich helfen?You're welcome, how can I help?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Deutsch, deutsch, mein, schlecht, CC BY-SA 4.0.
