Language
German
Level
A2
Unit
Negation
Practice types
0

What this grammar point covers

In German, 'kein' is used to make negative sentences with nouns. It means 'no' or 'not any' and replaces the article.

When to use it

Use 'kein' to say that something does not exist or is not present. It is used with nouns that have no article or with indefinite nouns.

Key forms

  • 'kein' (masculine/neuter, nominative): kein Hund, kein Buch
  • 'keine' (feminine, nominative and all plurals): keine Katze, keine Bücher
  • 'keinen' (masculine, accusative): keinen Hund

Examples

Ich habe keinen Hund.

English: I do not have a dog.

Wir trinken keinen Kaffee.

English: We do not drink coffee.

Sie hat keine Geschwister.

English: She has no siblings.

Es gibt kein Problem.

English: There is no problem.

Du kaufst keine Bücher.

English: You do not buy books.

Tips

  • Use 'kein' with nouns, not with verbs or adjectives.
  • 'Kein' changes its ending depending on the gender, number, and case of the noun.
  • Do not use 'kein' together with a definite article (der, die, das).

Verify this grammar point in German reference sources

Cross-check the rule and examples in established native references. Each link opens in a new tab.

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