😮🤷❌🧠

How to Say ‘Oh, I see, I didn't know that.’ in German

Ach so, das wusste ich nicht.

akh zo dahs vuhs-te ikh nicht

[akh zo dahs vuhs-te ikh nicht]

Phrase Breakdown

Ach so,

akh zo

Oh, I see,

A very common reaction to new information. The 'ch' in 'Ach' is throaty, as in 'loch'.

Example

Ach so, jetzt verstehe ich.

Oh, I see, now I understand.

Words in this phrase

Ach

[akh]

oh; ah

A common exclamation showing surprise, warmth, or emotion.

Example

Ach, wie schön, dass du da bist!

Oh, how nice that you're here!

[zo]

Used to refer to something just mentioned; like that.

Example

Ich fühle mich so müde.

I feel so tired.

das wusste ich nicht.

dahs vuhs-te ikh nicht

I didn't know that.

Simple past of 'wissen'. Stress 'WUSS-te'.

Example

Echt? Das wusste ich nicht.

Really? I didn't know 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

[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.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Berlin bureaucracy requires real German. This app got me from zero to handling my Anmeldung appointment in three weeks. My coworkers couldn’t believe it.”

Emma L., 27, UX Researcher

“Relocated to Munich with my family. The everyday scenarios — grocery shopping, doctor visits, school meetings — are exactly what we needed to settle in.”

Marcus J., 40, Engineer

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer