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How to Say ‘I didn't know that’ in German

Das wusste ich nicht

dahs vuhs-te ikh nicht

[dahs vuhs-te ikh nicht]

Phrase Breakdown

Das wusste

dahs vuhs-te

That ... knew

'wusste' is the simple past of 'wissen' (to know). Short 'u', and 'w' sounds like 'v': 'VUS-ste'.

Example

Das wusste er schon.

He already knew that.

Words in this phrase

Das

[dahs]

that / it

Can refer to a thing, item, or dish in front of you.

Example

Was ist das? Das Wort das can mean that or it.

What is that? The word das can mean that or it.

wusste

[vuhs-te]

knew

Past of 'know', to be aware of something.

Example

Ich wusste die Antwort.

I knew the answer.

ich nicht

ikh nicht

I ... not

Both words end in the soft 'ch' sound, like a whispered 'h' with the tongue raised. 'nicht' comes at the end.

Example

Das weiß ich nicht.

I don't know that.

Words in this phrase

ich

[ikh]

The pronoun 'ich' in nominative form.

Example

Ich bin da.

I am here.

nicht

[nicht]

not

Used to negate a sentence.

Example

Dieses Angebot gibt's nicht mehr.

This offer no longer exists.

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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