nein, ist es nicht
The German phrase for "no, it's not" is nein, ist es nicht.
This phrase is used to disagree with a previous statement or to deny that something is true.
Did you know?
- In spoken German, you can often replace nein, ist es nicht with a simple, sharp Doch! if someone has incorrectly assumed a negative state.
- The word nicht is built from roots meaning 'never' and 'being' or 'creature'.
- While nein is the standard word for 'no', Germans sometimes use nö to express a more indifferent or reluctant disagreement.
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are looking at a painting.
- SarahIst das Bild nicht wunderschön?Isn't this painting beautiful?
- MaximilianNein, ist es nicht.No, it's not.
- SarahWarum findest du es nicht schön?Why don't you find it beautiful?
- MaximilianDie Farben sind einfach zu dunkel.The colors are simply too dark.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries es, nein, nicht, CC BY-SA 4.0.
