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How to Say ‘No thanks, I still have to drive.’ in German

Nein danke, ich muss noch fahren.

nine DAHN-kuh ikh moos nokh FAH-ren

[nine DAHN-kuh ikh moos nokh FAH-ren]

🇩🇪 In Germany: Germany's drink-driving limit is strict, so this reason is fully accepted. No host will push another glass after hearing it.

Phrase Breakdown

Nein danke,

nine DAHN-kuh

no thanks

This is a polite refusal. 'Nein' sounds like English 'nine'. Pause briefly after the comma.

Example

Nein danke, ich bin satt.

No thanks, I'm full.

Words in this phrase

Nein

[nine]

Used to answer negatively or refuse something.

Example

Nein, danke.

No, thank you.

danke

[DAHN-kuh]

thanks

A common way to express gratitude.

Example

Danke für das nette Gespräch gestern.

Thanks for the nice conversation yesterday.

ich muss noch fahren.

ikh moos nokh FAH-ren

I still have to drive

This gives the reason for saying no. The verb 'fahren' comes at the end.

Example

Ich muss noch nach Hause fahren.

I still have to drive home.

Words in this phrase

ich

[ikh]

The pronoun 'ich' in nominative form.

Example

Ich bin da.

I am here.

muss

[moos]

must, have to

Form of 'müssen' for ich/er/sie/es; expresses necessity.

Example

Ich muss leider absagen.

Unfortunately I have to cancel.

noch

[nokh]

still (later today)

With 'heute', it means before the day is over.

Example

Ich mache das heute noch.

I'll do that later today.

fahren

[FAH-ren]

to drive

To travel by vehicle.

Example

Wir fahren nach Hause.

We drive home.

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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