UNIT TWENTY-ONE
Unit 21 Negative constructions
Two main forms for negatives – nichtandkein
There are two main ways of constructing negatives in German – using
nichtorkein:Das verstehen wir nicht.
We don’t understand that.Er hat kein Auto.
He doesn’t have a car.Here are both forms in more detail.nichtin more detail
When to use nicht
Nichtis used in negative constructions with adjectives and verbs:Der Wein war nicht teuer.(adjective)
The wine was not expensive.Esfunktioniert nicht.(verb)
It doesn’t work.It is also used with nouns connected to a definite article or possessive:Das ist nicht der Sohnvon Paul.(def. art.)
That is not Paul’s son.Das ist nicht meine Tasche.(possessive)
This is not my bag.