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How to Say ‘Not so good’ in German

Nicht so gut

nicht zo goot

[nicht zo goot]

🇩🇪 In Germany: Germans may honestly say this when asked how they are. A short sympathetic follow-up is expected, not a cheerful brush-off.

Phrase Breakdown

Nicht

[nicht]

not

Used to negate a sentence.

Example

Dieses Angebot gibt's nicht mehr.

This offer no longer exists.

[zo]

Used to refer to something just mentioned; like that.

Example

Ich fühle mich so müde.

I feel so tired.

gut

[goot]

well

Indicating a good state of being.

Example

Mir geht's gut und dir?

I'm well, and you?

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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