If you want to know how to say no in German, the basic word is nein. German also uses nicht and kein to make sentences negative, and doch to contradict a negative statement. The right choice depends on what you are responding to.
Say nein for a direct “no.” Use nicht or kein to say that something is not happening or does not exist.
How Do You Say No in German?
The direct translation of “no” is nein. Use it by itself to answer a question negatively or put it at the start of a sentence to make your answer clear. In casual conversation, German speakers may also use nee or nö, but nein works in both formal and everyday situations.
Meaning: no
Nein, Nicht, Kein, and Doch
These German words can all relate to saying “no,” but they do different jobs. The negative article kein follows many of the endings shown for ein, “a”. For “never,” compare nie in German.
1. Nein — No
Use nein as a direct answer: Möchtest du Tee? (“Would you like tea?”) — Nein, danke. (“No, thank you.”)
2. Nicht — Not
Nicht negates a verb, adjective, or a specific part of a sentence. For example, Ich komme heute nicht means “I’m not coming today,” and Das ist nicht teuer means “That is not expensive.”
3. Kein — No / Not a
Kein negates a noun that would otherwise use ein or has no article. It changes its ending to match the noun: Ich habe kein Auto means “I don’t have a car,” while Wir haben keine Zeit means “We have no time.”
4. Doch — Yes, actually
Use doch to contradict a negative question or statement. If someone asks Kommst du nicht? (“Aren’t you coming?”), answering Doch! means “Yes, I am!”
No in German: Quick Comparison
Swipe horizontally to see the full table.
| German | Meaning | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| nein | no | Direct answer | Nein, danke. |
| nicht | not | Negates an action or description | Ich weiß es nicht. |
| kein / keine | no; not a | Negates a noun | Ich habe kein Geld. |
| doch | yes, actually | Contradicts a negative statement | Doch, ich komme! |
How to Pronounce Nein
Nein is pronounced approximately nine, like the English word “nine.” Keep it to one clear syllable. The same pronunciation is used whether nein is spoken alone or at the beginning of a reply.
Example Sentences Using No in German
Meaning: No, thank you.
Meaning: I don’t understand that.
Meaning: I’m not hungry. (literally, “I have no hunger.”)
Frequently Asked Questions About No in German
Tap a question below to see the answer.
What is the German word for no?
The direct word for “no” is nein.
What is the difference between nein and nicht?
Nein is a direct “no.” Nicht means “not” and negates part of a sentence.
When do I use kein instead of nicht?
Use kein to negate a noun, such as kein Auto (“no car” or “not a car”).
What does doch mean as an answer?
Doch can mean “yes, actually” when you are contradicting a negative question or statement.
Summary: How to Say No in German
Use nein for a direct “no.” Use nicht to negate an action or description, and kein to say that there is no or not a particular thing. When replying positively to a negative question, doch is often the right answer.
