Saying no and yes in German are probably the first few words anyone who wants to learn a new language will master. You can get by in any foreign language by knowing these powerful words. If you're looking for an easy answer, then the word you are looking for is "ja", the word "yes" in German. But sometimes, just the word yes in German is not enough to say what you need, or maybe it is too bland for you. So let's discover other words and phrases that you can use to say yes in the German language.
Before we dive into it, let me quickly give you some points you need to know about German language, especially for those who are not familiar with it.
Just as I have mentioned above, you already know the German counterpart of the English word "yes", which is spelled and written "ja".
However, saying "ja" may not be enough to make you sound like a native or even a fluent speaker. There are many reasons to say yes, even as a tourist; there are even more perks if you speak like a native.
So here are multiple ways to say yes in German.
"Sounds good" in German is "Das klingt gut".
To translate this phrase in German, you can go with "ich stimme ihnen zu"
"Auf jeden Fall" can be translated into "in any case" or "at any rate"
If you are stuck and lost in a conversation, you can just agree by saying "das ist wahr".
The word "ch" in German words is pronounced by using the back of your throat. It is not a familiar sound for English speakers; the easiest way to describe is the feeling when you need to spit out phlegm from the back of your throat.
Doch is one of the most common german words used in learning German. The direct equivalent for the word in English should be "however" or "yet". For example,
He is smart yet arrogant.
Er ist klug und doch arrogant.
However, you can also use doch if you want to answer a negative question or a negative statement. For example:
"You do not like fish?" "Yes, I do!"
"Du magst keinen Fisch?" "Doch, ich will!"
If you use "ja" instead, it would be wrong and unnatural. SO do not forget to use the correct word!
Different ways to say yes in German language.
English | German |
---|---|
Yes | Ja |
Yes / yes, sir | Jawohl |
Anyway / Yes | Doch |
Yes | Jaaa |
Okay | Okay |
No problem | Kein problem |
I Agree with you | Ich stimme Ihnen zu |
That is true | Das ist wahr |
Certainly | Gewiss |
Sure | Sicher |
Sure | Freilich |
Das klingt gut | That sounds good |
Of course | Klar |
For sure | Bestimmt |
Naturally | Natürlich |
Definitely | Auf jeden fall |
Obviously | Selbstverständlich |
Without a doubt | Ohne Zweifel |
Exactly | Genau |
Gladly | Gerne |
Yes (casual) | Jepp |
Absolutely | Absolut |
You are right | Du hast Recht |
You are right | Sie haben Recht. |
Surely / of course | Na klar |
English | German |
---|---|
Yes, he is | Ja, er ist. |
Yes, she is | Ja, ist sie. |
Yes, of course. | Ja, natürlich. |
Yes, of course. | Ja, sicher |
Yes? | Ja? |
Oh yes. | Oh ja. |
Why not? | Warum nicht? |
Yes Please. | Ja, bitte |
Yes, it's agreed | Ja, ist gebongt |
Yes, they were | Ja. Sie waren. |
yes, please | danke gern |
yes, it is | ja, es ist |
Well, yes. | Na ja. |
and yes | und ja |
Yes, I’d love to | Ja, gerne. |
I couldn’t agree more with you (formal) | Ich bin ganz Ihrer Meinung. |
I couldn’t agree more with you | Ich bin ganz deiner Meinung |
All these examples are perfect for agreeing and confirming, but what if you are hesitant? You can try these terms instead:
English | German |
---|---|
Yes (reluctant) | Also gut |
Yes, maybe. | Ja, vielleicht |
Yes, we’ll see | Ja, mal sehen |
Yes, kind of | Ja, schon |
Probably | Wahrscheinlich |
Could be | könnte sein |
Maybe | Eventuell |
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