How to Say “Not Applicable” in German

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nicht zutreffend
In German, "not applicable" is expressed as nicht zutreffend.
This phrase is used on forms to indicate that a specific question or field does not apply to the person filling it out.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of nicht (not) and zutreffend (applicable/coinciding), literally meaning 'not coinciding' or 'not applying'.

Which one should you use?

You may also see Nicht anwendbar, which means 'not applicable' or 'not applicable here'. On forms, the word entfällt is a common alternative used to indicate that a field or requirement is omitted or does not apply to the current situation.

Did you know?

  • The word entfällt is used when a requirement is omitted, but it also means a scheduled event has been cancelled.
  • The word wiht inside nicht is a cognate of the English word 'wight', used in old literature to describe a living being.
  • The word zutreffend comes from the verb zutreffen, which literally means 'to hit the mark' or 'to strike correctly'.

Examples in context

  • Die Frage Nr. 3 ist nicht zutreffend.
    Question number 3 is not applicable.
  • Diese Regelung ist für unseren Fall nicht anwendbar.
    This regulation is not applicable to our case.
  • Die Informationen sind für die aktuelle Studie nicht relevant.
    The information is not applicable to the current study.
  • Die Einladung gilt nicht für mich.
    The invitation does not apply to me.
  • Deine Lösungsidee passt nicht zur Fragestellung.
    Your solution idea is not applicable to the problem statement.
  • Die neuen Vorschriften betreffen mich nicht.
    The new regulations do not apply to me.
  • Eine Reisepassnummer ist nicht zutreffend, wenn Sie keinen Reisepass besitzen.
    A passport number is not applicable if you do not have a passport.
  • Bitte kreuzen Sie 'nicht zutreffend' an.
    Please check 'not applicable'.
  • Für mich ist diese Frage nicht zutreffend.
    This question is not applicable to me.

Example conversation

Maximilian and Sarah are filling out a registration form.

  1. Maximilian

    Soll ich hier etwas eintragen?
    Should I enter something here?
  2. Sarah

    Nein, das ist für dich nicht zutreffend.
    No, that is not applicable to you.
  3. Maximilian

    Soll ich dann einfach nichts schreiben?
    Should I just write nothing then?
  4. Sarah

    Schreib lieber 'nicht zutreffend' in das Feld.
    Better write 'not applicable' in the field.

Sources

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Gavin Barry
Gavin BarryHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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