German grammar: Negation (nicht, kein, niemand, nichts)

What this grammar point covers

Negation in German is how you say 'no' or express that something is not true, does not exist, or is absent. The most common words are 'nicht', 'kein', 'niemand', and 'nichts'.

When to use it

Use these forms to make sentences negative in German. 'Nicht' is used to negate verbs, adjectives, or entire sentences. 'Kein' is used to negate nouns, especially when talking about things you do not have or that do not exist. 'Niemand' means nobody, and 'nichts' means nothing.

Key forms

• 'nicht' (not): Ich spreche nicht.
• 'kein' (no, not any): Ich habe kein Auto.
• 'niemand' (nobody): Niemand ist hier.
• 'nichts' (nothing): Ich sehe nichts.

Examples

Tips

• Remember: 'kein' is used with nouns, 'nicht' with verbs, adjectives, and entire sentences.
• The position of 'nicht' is usually after the verb, but before adjectives or specific words you want to negate.
• Don't use 'kein' with definite articles (der, die, das).

Exceptions and edge cases

• Sometimes 'nicht' comes at the end of the sentence, especially with verbs and separable prefixes.
• With some fixed expressions, the position of 'nicht' may change.