ja oder nein
The English phrase "yes or no" is translated into German as ja oder nein.
ja oder nein is used when a speaker wants to demand or request a clear, definitive answer between two opposite choices.
Did you know?
- Germans often avoid a simple ja oder nein in social contexts by using 'modal particles' to soften the answer and avoid seeming too blunt.
- While ja means 'yes', it is frequently used as a filler word in German sentences to express something the speaker believes the listener already knows.
- The German word for 'no', nein, is historically a contraction of the Old High German phrase ni ein, which literally meant 'not one'.
Examples in context
- Sag nur ja oder nein.Just say yes or no.This sentence is useful for practicing how to tell someone to just say ja oder nein.Tatoeba #1671108 by Espi, translation #66672 by CK
- Bedeutet das ja oder nein?Does that mean yes or no?This sentence is useful for asking if a specific meaning implies ja oder nein.Tatoeba #14009536 by mhr, translation #8896185 by dzouras
- Hast du mit Ja oder Nein gestimmt?Did you vote "yes" or "no"?This sentence is useful for asking if someone voted using ja oder nein.Tatoeba #8980022 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6019709 by Hybrid
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are discussing a quick decision.
- JuliaKommst du heute mit oder nicht?Are you coming today or not?
- MaximilianIch kann nicht einfach ja oder nein sagen.I cannot simply say yes or no.
- JuliaAber ich brauche eine Antwort von dir.But I need an answer from you.
- MaximilianGib mir bitte noch fünf Minuten.Please give me five more minutes.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ja, nein, oder, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
