How to Say No in German

You'll be hearing it from a Berlin nightclub bouncers you might as well recognise it. You have a lot more options than nein so let's get into it.

Nein - no


This is the most common way to say "no" in German, and it's the direct equivalent of "no" in English.
"Bist du schon fertig mit der Arbeit?" "Ja, ich bin schon fertig."

"Möchtest du eine Tasse Kaffee?"  "Nein."
Would you like a cup of coffee? No.
 - no


This is a casual, shortened version of "nein" and is used in informal situations among friends or family.

Willst du heute Abend ausgehen? Do you want to go out tonight?
Nö, keine Lust. Nah, don't feel like it.

 Ne - no/nah


This is a another colloquial, shortened version of "nein" and is used in informal situations.

Bist du bereit für die Präsentation? Are you ready for the presentation?
Ne, noch nicht. Nah, not yet.

Leider nicht - Unfortunately not

This is a polite way of showing regret that something is not possible.

Können wir das Treffen auf nächste Woche verschieben? Can we postpone the meeting to next week?
Leider nicht. Unfortunately not.

Keineswegs - By no means / Absolutely not


This word is used to express strong disagreement or refusal and that the speaker wants to contradict a statement.

"Willst du nicht mitkommen?" "Don't you want to come along?"
Keineswegs! Absolutely not!

Auf keinen Fall- Absolutely not


This phrase is similar to "keineswegs" and is also used to express strong disagreement or refusal.

"Magst du keine Pizza? Auf keinen Fall!
Don't you like pizza? Asolutely not!

Doch Nicht - not at all


This phrase can be used to negate a negative statement, similar to the English "not...at all".


"Ich bin nicht müde." "Doch nicht, ich bin voller Energie!"
I am not tired. Not at all, I'm full of energy!

Tut mir leid - Sorry


This phrase can be used to negate a negative statement, similar to the English "not...at all".


"Ich bin nicht müde." "Doch nicht, ich bin voller Energie!"
I am not tired. Not at all, I'm full of energy!

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