In German, just like in any other language, there are various ways to express the idea of “never mind.” Whether you want to convey the notion of forgetting something, dismissing an idea, or telling someone not to worry, this guide will provide you with formal and informal ways to express “never mind” in German. Additionally, we will explore some regional variations if they are relevant. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Never Mind”
When you want to use a more formal tone to say “never mind” in german, the following expressions are commonly used:
- Vergessen Sie es – This is a direct translation of “forget it.” It is a polite and straightforward way to ask someone to disregard a particular matter. For example: “Können Sie mir bitte helfen?” (Can you please help me?) – “Vergessen Sie es” (Never mind).
- Lassen Sie gut sein – Translated as “let it be,” it is another formal expression to tell someone not to worry about the mentioned topic. For instance: “Ich habe das Dokument nicht rechtzeitig geschickt” (I didn’t send the document on time) – “Lassen Sie gut sein” (Never mind).
Informal Ways to Say “Never Mind”
If you are in a casual setting or speaking with friends or acquaintances, you may prefer to use these informal expressions to say “never mind” in German:
- Vergiss es – Similar to its formal counterpart, “vergiss es” is the informal version of “forget it.” For example: “Könntest du bitte den Müll rausbringen?” (Could you please take out the trash?) – “Vergiss es” (Never mind).
- Lass gut sein – When using a more relaxed tone, you can say “lass gut sein,” which translates to “let it be.” For instance: “Ich habe vergessen, dich anzurufen” (I forgot to call you) – “Lass gut sein” (Never mind).
Regional Variations
German is spoken in various regions, and sometimes there are slight variations in expressions. However, when it comes to “never mind,” there are no significant regional differences. The expressions mentioned above are widely understood and used throughout Germany and German-speaking countries.
Tips and Examples
Here are some tips and additional examples to help you better understand how to use “never mind” in different contexts:
1. To Forget or Disregard Something
- Example 1: “Ich habe vergessen, die Rechnung zu bezahlen.” (I forgot to pay the bill.) – “Vergessen Sie es” (never mind).
- Example 2: “Kann ich deinen Kugelschreiber ausleihen?” (Can I borrow your pen?) – “Vergiss es” (never mind).
2. To Dismiss an Idea or Suggestion
- Example 1: “Lass uns heute ins Kino gehen.” (Let’s go to the movies today.) – “Vergiss es” (never mind).
- Example 2: “Ich denke, wir sollten einen anderen Ansatz verfolgen.” (I think we should pursue a different approach.) – “Lass gut sein” (never mind).
3. To Tell Someone Not to Worry
- Example 1: “Ich habe versehentlich deinen Teller zerbrochen.” (I accidentally broke your plate.) – “Lass gut sein” (never mind).
- Example 2: “Ich kann nicht kommen, um dir beim Umzug zu helfen.” (I can’t come to help you with the move.) – “Vergiss es” (never mind).
Note: It’s essential to remember that the tone and context play a crucial role in determining which expression to use. Use the formal expressions when speaking with individuals you are not familiar with or in more professional settings. The informal expressions are suitable for friends, family, or casual conversations.
Now that you have learned several ways to say “never mind” in German, it’s time to practice them in various situations. The more you use these expressions, the more natural they will become to you.
I hope this guide has been helpful in expanding your German vocabulary and providing you with useful phrases to express “never mind” in different contexts. Remember to consider formality and the nature of your relationship to select the most appropriate option for each situation.
