nie
/niː/
The English word 'never' is translated into German as nie. Wiktionary also lists niemals and nimmer.
Meaning: at no time (adv)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| nie | /niː/ |
| niemals | /ˈniːmaːls/ |
| nimmer | /ˈnɪmər/ |
All forms are adverbs meaning 'at no time'.
Which one should you use?
While nie is the standard form, niemals is a more emphatic version. The form nimmer is an older, poetic or informal way to express the same meaning.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
niemals adds emphasis, while nimmer is an archaic, poetic or informal variation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the southern parts of Germany and Austria, the word nimmermehr is used to mean 'never'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the specific meaning 'never again', use the phrase nie wieder.
How do you pronounce it?
/niː/
Did you know?
- The German word nimmer is a linguistic sibling to the English word 'never', as both were originally built by combining a word for 'not' with a word for 'ever'.
- In casual spoken German, nie can be used as a sarcastic response to a request, implying that the event is so unlikely it is practically impossible.
- German speakers use the phrase nie wieder to mean 'never again', but it is often used as a strong expression of disgust or trauma after a bad experience.
Examples in context
- Er sah es nie.He never saw it.This sentence uses nie to show a completed action that never occurred.Tatoeba #9985674 by wolfgangth, translation #8479398 by CH
- So war es nie.It was never like that.This sentence uses nie to describe a past state of being.Tatoeba #10038513 by wolfgangth, translation #2396251 by CK
- Er hört nie zu.He never listens.This sentence uses nie to describe a continuous habit.Tatoeba #8639275 by Melang, translation #8910387 by sundown
- Niemals werde ich vergessen, was du für mich getan hast.Never will I forget what you have done for me.
- Ich werde auf keinen Fall daran teilnehmen.I will never take part in it, under no circumstances.
- Ich werde dich nimmer vergessen.I will never forget you.
- Ich werde absolut niemals mit ihm zusammenarbeiten.I will absolutely never work with him.
- Ich habe nie zuvor so ein tolles Konzert besucht.I have never attended such a great concert before.
- 5985 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are discussing their travel habits.
- LukasFährst du nie mit dem Bus?Do you never go by bus?
- LauraNein, ich fahre nie Bus.No, I never take the bus.
- LukasWarum ist das so?Why is that so?
- LauraIch liebe es, zu laufen.I love walking.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “never” translations and entries nie, niemals, nimmer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nie, niemals, nimmer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
