Negation using nicht in German

Understanding grammar is key to understanding a language.
Learn how to use Negation using nicht in German and many other tips and tricks with Wunderbla.
Test your German level for free today.

TEST YOUR GERMAN Free trial and no commitment to buy
4,7 on App Store, Play Store and Trustpilot More than 8 million learners worldwide

Negation using nicht

Negative sentences are often formed using nicht (not).

Ich bin nicht da.

I am not there.

Wir schlafen nicht.

We are not sleeping.

The word nicht is placed:

  • before an adjective, adverb or preposition:

Der Wein ist gut. → Der Wein ist nicht gut.

The wine is good. → The wine is not good.

Wir essen viel. → Wir essen nicht viel.

We eat a lot. → We don't eat a lot.

Ich gehe ins Kino. → Ich gehe nicht ins Kino.

I'm going to the cinema. → I'm not going to the cinema.

  • at the end of the sentence if we’re negating a conjugated verb:

Ich finde meine SchlĂŒssel nicht.

I can’t find my keys.

Caroline kauft das GemĂŒse nicht.

Caroline doesn’t buy the vegetables.

  • before an infinitive verb or past participle:

Er will den Job machen. → Er will den Job nicht machen.

He wants to do the job. → He doesn’t want to do the job.

Tim hat angerufen. → Tim hat nicht angerufen.

Tim has called. → Tim has not called.

Magda wird arbeiten. → Magda wird nicht arbeiten.

Magda is going to work. → Magda is not going to work.

Still facing difficulties with 'Negation using nicht'? Learn and enhance your German grammar through our online German course. Start with a free test and improve today!

TEST YOUR GERMAN

What our users say:

Pleasure

         

I enjoy doing my online German lessons. Only ten minutes daily are enough...Thank you!

Innovative

         

I love your innovative method which allows me to learn a new language and have fun at the same time!

Unique

         

Your method is unique! Your courses have helped me to progress and gain confidence during my travels.

Progress

         

Gymglish has allowed me to improve my German. A daily routine I wouldn't miss for anything in the world!

More testimonials.

Improve your German further and test Wunderbla, online German lessons.