Negation Flashcards
What is the negation word used in German to negate verbs, adjectives, and adverbs?
Nicht.
Where does ‘nicht’ typically go in a sentence when negating a simple verb?
After the subject and before the complement.
Example: Ich arbeite nicht. – I am not working.
Where does ‘nicht’ go when there are two verbs, e.g., modal verbs or compound tenses?
Before the second verb (at the end of the sentence).
Example: Ich kann das nicht machen. – I can’t do that.
How do you negate adjectives in German?
Place ‘nicht’ directly before the adjective.
Example: Das ist nicht gut. – That is not good.
How do you negate adverbs in German?
Place ‘nicht’ directly before the adverb.
Example: Er läuft nicht schnell. – He doesn’t run fast.
How do you negate modal verbs in German?
Place ‘nicht’ before the infinitive verb at the end of the sentence.
Example: Ich will nicht gehen. – I don’t want to go.
Example question: How do you negate a sentence with ‘können’ (can)?
Place ‘nicht’ before the second verb.
Example: Er kann nicht schwimmen. – He can’t swim.
Where does ‘nicht’ go when negating an entire sentence?
‘Nicht’ goes toward the end of the sentence to negate the whole idea.
Example: Ich gehe heute nicht. – I’m not going today.
Where does ‘nicht’ go when negating a direct object (noun)?
‘Nicht’ usually comes before the direct object.
Example: Ich sehe das Bild nicht. – I don’t see the picture.
Where does ‘nicht’ go when negating a pronoun object?
‘Nicht’ usually comes after the pronoun.
Example: Ich sehe ihn nicht. – I don’t see him.
True or False: ‘Nicht’ comes before adjectives and adverbs in German.
True.
Fill in the blank: Ich gehe _______ heute. (not)
Ich gehe nicht heute. – I am not going today.
Ich will nicht essen.
I don’t want to eat.
Translate to German: ‘He is not running fast.’
Er läuft nicht schnell.
