nein
/naɪ̯n/standard
In German, the word for "no" is nein. Wiktionary also lists nee and nö.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| nein | /naɪ̯n/ | standard |
| nee | /neː/ | colloquial |
| nö | [nøː] (narrow) | colloquial |
The word is used as a particle to show disagreement or negation.
Which one should you use?
nein is the standard particle used to answer questions. In contrast, kein is a determiner used to negate nouns, such as saying "no bread" or "no car".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more polite way to decline a request or invitation in formal settings, you can use the phrase Das tut mir leid, aber nein (I'm sorry, but no). For everyday spoken German, nee is a common colloquial alternative. For a very informal and almost blunt way to say no, similar to the English "nope", use nö.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria and other parts of Southern Germany, naa is commonly used as an informal way to say "no".
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/naɪ̯n/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use nein to negate nouns.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, Germans use the word doch to contradict a negative question. If someone asks Hast du keinen Hunger? (Are you not hungry?), you say doch instead of nein to mean 'yes, I am'.
- In German culture, a nein is often more direct and literal than in English. While an English speaker might use a polite excuse to avoid saying 'no', a German nein is seen as honest and efficient rather than rude.
- The standard German nein and the English word 'none' share the same linguistic ancestor, descending from a contraction of 'not one'.
Examples in context
- Ist das ein nein?Is that a no?This sentence is useful for asking if a specific response was a nein.Tatoeba #6625738 by Felixjp, translation #2549769 by CK
- O nein, nicht der!Oh no, it's him!This sentence shows the use of nein in an exclamation.Tatoeba #4405067 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4381905 by Hybrid
- Ich sage nie nein.I don't ever say no.This sentence demonstrates the use of nein in a statement about habits.Tatoeba #11824569 by Naina, translation #3822019 by CK
- 1113 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- JulianMöchtest du Pizza?Do you want pizza?
- LauraNein, ich habe keinen Hunger.No, I am not hungry.
- JulianWillst du dann etwas anderes?Do you want something else then?
- LauraNein, danke.No, thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries nein, nee, nö, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nee, nein, nö, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
