kein Problem
/ˈkaɪ̯n pʁoˈbleːm/
The German phrase for "no problem" is kein Problem.
kein Problem is used to communicate that no apology is necessary or to reassure someone that a small favor is easily granted. Much like in English, it can also be used to indicate that something is easy to do or is no trouble.
Meaning: no apology is necessary (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of kein, meaning "no" or "none" and Problem, meaning "problem".
How does it change in a sentence?
If you wish to say "no problems" in the plural instead of the singular "no problem", you should use the form keine Probleme.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaɪ̯n pʁoˈbleːm/
When do people say it?
When used as a standalone exclamation, Kein Problem! serves to reassure someone that they do not need to apologize or that a request is easy to fulfill. To reassure someone specifically that they should not worry, you might instead use the informal phrase Mach dir keine Sorgen.
Did you know?
- While kein Problem is common, Germans often respond to 'thank you' with bitte, which literally means 'please'. In this context, it functions as 'you are welcome' and is the traditional alternative to saying 'no problem'.
- In some regions of Germany, people might say passt schon instead of kein Problem when accepting an apology. This literally means 'it fits already' and signals that the situation is acceptable.
- The word Problem is a loanword from the Latin problēma, which itself came from the Greek word for a 'task' or 'proposition' to be solved.
Examples in context
- Das ist kein Problem.It's no problem.This sentence shows how to use kein Problem to say "it's no problem".Tatoeba #1533335 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1894580 by CK
- Ich habe kein Problem.I have no problem.This sentence demonstrates the use of kein Problem to say "I have no problem".Tatoeba #3760733 by Esperantostern, translation #5757972 by CM
- Kein Problem, ich warte.No problem, I'll wait.This sentence shows how to use kein Problem as a standalone reassurance while waiting.Tatoeba #12774057 by mhr, translation #12945095 by sundown
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah accidentally bumps into Felix in the hallway.
- HannahOh, Entschuldigung, Felix!Oh, sorry, Felix!
- FelixKein Problem, Hannah.No problem, Hannah.
- HannahIch war nicht aufmerksam.I wasn't paying attention.
- FelixAlles gut, kein Problem.It's all good, no problem.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kein Problem, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Problem, kein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
