jein
/jaɪ̯n/
The German phrase for "yes and no" is jein. Wiktionary also lists ja und nein.
Meaning: indicating there is no simple "yes" or "no" answer (phrase)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| jein | /jaɪ̯n/ |
| ja und nein |
Both jein and ja und nein are used to indicate that there is no simple "yes" or "no" answer to a question. Jein is typically used as a direct response to a yes/no question to signal that the truth is nuanced or depends on the context.
What does it mean word for word?
jein is a portmanteau of ja (yes) and nein (no).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
jein is a colloquial contraction used in spoken German, whereas ja und nein is the standard full phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
/jaɪ̯n/
Did you know?
- In some German dialects, the distinction between ja and nein is blurred by the use of doch, which acts as a 'yes' specifically used to contradict a negative question.
- The word jein is so ingrained in the culture that it appears in official dictionaries and has even been proposed as a candidate for the 'Word of the Year'.
- The word nein shares an unexpected ancestor with the English word 'none', both originating from the Old English phrase 'ne ān' meaning 'not one'.
Examples in context
- Die Antwort ist jein.The answer is both yes and no.Tatoeba #11137617 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4225696 by Hybrid
- Meine Antwort lautet: ja und nein.My answer is yes and no.Tatoeba #2576461 by al_ex_an_der, translation #11563190 by sundown
- Jein.Yes and no.This sentence shows jein being used as a standalone direct response.Tatoeba #1021596 by al_ex_an_der, translation #51133 by shanghainese
- Möchten Sie etwas trinken?Would you like something to drink?
- Ja, gerneYes, please
- Na klar!Of course!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah asks Lukas if he enjoys his new job.
- SarahMagst du deinen neuen Job?Do you like your new job?
- LukasJein, die Aufgaben sind toll, aber die Überstunden nerven.Yes and no, the tasks are great, but the overtime is annoying.
- SarahDas verstehe ich.I understand that.
- LukasEs ist kompliziert.It is complicated.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes and no” translations and entries jein, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ja, jein, nein, und, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
