Nein danke
/naɪ̯n ˈdaŋkə/
The German phrase for "no thanks" is Nein danke.
You use Nein danke as a polite way to decline an offer or a request.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the word Nein (no) and danke (thanks).
Which one should you use?
Nein, vielen Dank is a slightly more formal and more emphatic way to decline an offer than Nein danke.
How does it change in a sentence?
In written German, a comma is often used between Nein and danke to separate the two distinct parts of the expression.
How do you pronounce it?
/naɪ̯n ˈdaŋkə/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes mistakenly think Nein danke is too blunt, but it is a standard, polite way to decline in German.
Did you know?
- German has a specific word, Nein-Sager, to describe a person who habitually says 'no' or is constantly pessimistic.
- The word nein is an ancient contraction of the Old High German ni ein, which literally translates to 'not one'.
- While Nein danke is polite, adding a small head shake is common, but a vigorous head shake can make the refusal seem aggressive or shocked.
Examples in context
- Nein danke, mir geht es gut.No thanks, I'm fine.This sentence shows how to use Nein danke to decline a state of being.Tatoeba #10966975 by Yorwba, translation #11126746 by sundown
- Nein danke, ich bin schwanger.No thanks, I'm pregnant.This sentence shows how to use Nein danke to decline an offer related to pregnancy.Tatoeba #910922 by Sudajaengi, translation #3283007 by Farvoyager
- Nein danke, ich schaue nur.No, thanks. I'm just browsing.This sentence shows how to use Nein danke to tell a seller you are just looking.Tatoeba #563244 by MUIRIEL, translation #822225 by sundown
- Nein, danke. Aber vielleicht ein andermal?No, thanks. But maybe another time?
- Danke, aber ich schaffe das schon selbst.Thanks, but I can handle it myself.
- Nein, danke. Ich habe heute andere Pläne.No, thanks. I have other plans today.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas offers Hannah a glass of water.
- HannahMöchtest du ein Glas Wasser, Hannah?Would you like a glass of water, Hannah?
- LukasNein danke, ich habe gerade erst getrunken.No thanks, I just drank something.
- HannahAlles klar, kein Problem.All right, no problem.
- LukasDanke trotzdem, Lukas!Thanks anyway, Lukas!
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry nein danke.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Nein, danke, nein, nein danke, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
