Nicht and kein
Use nicht to negate verbs, adjectives, and many full ideas, and use kein to negate an indefinite noun.
Examples
GermanTranslation
Ich trinke keinen Kaffee, aber Tee trinke ich gern.
I do not drink coffee, but I do like tea.
Heute habe ich keine Zeit.
Today I have no time.
Das ist nicht schwer.
That is not difficult.
Pattern
nicht + target / kein + noun
How it works
Use nicht to negate verbs, adjectives, and many full ideas, and use kein to negate an indefinite noun. This pattern typically appears as nicht + target / kein + noun and becomes easier when you meet it again in short, readable examples.
What to notice
- Kein behaves like a negative article.
- Nicht often appears later in the clause than English not.
Why it matters
Handle requests, ability, and simple negative meaning.
Use in context
German negation is clearer once you ask yourself whether they are negating a noun or something wider.