Nicht vs kein: two different ways to say “not”
German does not use one universal word for every negative sentence. The useful beginner contrast is between kein, which often negates a noun, and nicht, which often negates a verb, adjective, adverb or other part of the sentence.
Kein behaves like an article
Ich habe kein Auto. — I do not have a car.
Sie trinkt keinen Kaffee. — She does not drink coffee.
Das ist keine gute Idee. — That is not a good idea.
Sie trinkt keinen Kaffee. — She does not drink coffee.
Das ist keine gute Idee. — That is not a good idea.
Because kein sits in the article system, its ending changes with gender and case.
Nicht negates other information
Ich komme heute nicht. — I am not coming today.
Das ist nicht teuer. — That is not expensive.
Er wohnt nicht in Berlin. — He does not live in Berlin.
Das ist nicht teuer. — That is not expensive.
Er wohnt nicht in Berlin. — He does not live in Berlin.
Shortcut: if you would naturally use ein/eine or no article with a noun, test whether kein is the right negative form. Otherwise, nicht is often the better candidate.
Quick check
Complete the sentence: Ich habe ___ Auto.
Review German patterns inside complete sentences.
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