A1 · GRAMMAR
Negation: nicht and kein
There are two words for negation in German: kein and nicht. The rule is short: use kein to negate a noun that would take 'ein/eine' or has no article, and use nicht for everything else (verbs, adjectives, specific nouns). nein is simply the answer 'no'.
In this lesson
1. kein
Nouns with ein/eine or no article → kein / keine.
Ich habe keine Zeit.
I have no time.
2. nicht
Verbs, adjectives, specific nouns, places → nicht.
Ich komme heute nicht.
I am not coming today.
3. nein
Just for answering: Nein = no.
Nein, danke.
No, thanks.
4. doch
Answering yes to a negative question.
Hast du keinen Hunger? – Doch!
Aren't you hungry? – Yes, I am!
💡 Ask yourself: Would the noun have ein/eine in an affirmative sentence, or did it have no article? If yes → kein. If not → nicht.