Negations with Nicht and Kein

In German, there are two ways to create negative sentences: you can use either the word nicht or kein.

Let's learn how these two are different and when to use each of them.

Nicht - Usage

Rule 1: We use "nicht" when we negate adjectives, adverbs, or verbs. It can be translated as "not":

Nicht - Placement

Rule 2: It can sometimes be difficult to place "nicht" correctly. Generally, it goes at the end of the sentence, but before a preposition, an infinitive, or a verb prefix.

Kein - Usage

Rule 3: We use "kein" with nouns. It can be translated as “not a…”, “not… any” or “no.” It also has to agree with the noun it modifies.

"Kein" is always placed before a noun.