Nei
In Swiss German, 'no' is Nei.
The word is used exactly like English 'no', on its own or at the start of a sentence to disagree or decline.
Meaning: a negative answer (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
Nei is the Swiss form of Standard German 'nein', with the final n dropped.
Which one should you use?
There is no separate polite or informal version. Nei works in every setting on its own.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Nei is neutral and used in both casual and polite conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word is used the same way across German-speaking Switzerland.
How does it change in a sentence?
Nei does not change with gender or number, and is often softened with leider, 'unfortunately': Nei, leider nid.
How do you pronounce it?
Nei rhymes with the English word 'hay' minus the h sound.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Standard German nein is understood but sounds slightly formal next to the shorter Swiss Nei.
When do people say it?
Swiss speakers often soften a plain Nei with leider, 'unfortunately', even for small refusals, to sound less blunt.
Did you know?
- Dropping the final n from Standard German 'nein' is one of the simplest, clearest examples of how Swiss German shortens everyday words.
- Adding leider, 'unfortunately', after Nei is a common Swiss habit of softening even a small refusal.
Examples in context
- Nei, das passt mer nid.No, that does not work for me.
- Nei, leider nid hüt.No, unfortunately not today.
- Chunsch mit? Nei, ich bi müed.Are you coming along? No, I am tired.
Example conversation
Reto asks his roommate Flurina if she wants to go out tonight.
- RetoChunsch hüt mit üs use?Are you coming out with us tonight?
- FlurinaNei, leider nid, ich bi müed.No, unfortunately not, I am tired.
- RetoOkay, en anders Mal de.Okay, another time then.
- FlurinaGenau, viel Spass hüt Abig.Exactly, have fun tonight.
