nicht in Ordnung
/nɪçt ʔɪn ˈɔrdnʊŋ/word by word
The English phrase 'not okay' is translated into German as nicht in Ordnung.
nicht in Ordnung is used to express disapproval of a person's behavior or to describe a situation that is improper or unacceptable. You can add intensity to an expression of dissatisfaction by using the word absolut (absolutely) or the phrase überhaupt nicht (not at all).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase nicht in Ordnung literally translates to 'not in order'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this phrase in a sentence such as 'It is not okay', you must conjugate the verb sein (to be) to match the subject, forming the structure nicht in Ordnung sein.
How do you pronounce it?
/nɪçt ʔɪn ˈɔrdnʊŋ/
Did you know?
- While nicht in Ordnung describes a moral or situational wrong, Germans use the word kaputt to say a physical object is 'not okay' or broken.
- The word nicht is originally a combination of two words meaning 'never' and 'creature'. This suggests that 'not' once described a state of absolute non-existence.
- In German, the concept of Ordnung is so culturally significant that the phrase Ordnung muss sein (there must be order) is a common national maxim.
Examples in context
- Das ist nicht in Ordnung.This is not okay.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase nicht in Ordnung.Tatoeba #2088157 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2077743 by Spamster
- Das ist für mich nicht in Ordnung.That is not okay with me.
- Sein Verhalten war absolut nicht in Ordnung.His behavior was absolutely not okay.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are discussing a coworker's recent actions.
- JulianHast du gesehen, wie er die Kollegen behandelt hat?Did you see how he treated the colleagues?
- LauraJa, das war wirklich nicht in Ordnung.Yes, that was really not okay.
- JulianEr muss sich unbedingt entschuldigen.He definitely needs to apologize.
- LauraDa hast du absolut recht, Julian.You are absolutely right, Julian.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (nicht, in, Ordnung) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ordnung, in, nicht, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
