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How to Say ‘No, that's meant to stay a surprise.’ in German

Nein, das soll eine Überraschung bleiben.

nine dahs zoll EYE-nuh ue-ber-RAH-shoong BLY-ben

[nine dahs zoll EYE-nuh ue-ber-RAH-shoong BLY-ben]

💬 Usage Tip: With soll, the main verb goes to the very end: das soll eine Überraschung bleiben. Same pattern with muss or kann.

Phrase Breakdown

Nein, das soll

nine dahs zoll

No, that is supposed to

'Soll' (from 'sollen') expresses an intention or plan. Say it 'nine, das zol'.

Example

Nein, das soll morgen passieren.

No, that's supposed to happen tomorrow.

Words in this phrase

Nein

[nine]

A simple negative answer used in everyday conversation.

Example

Nein, danke.

No, thank you.

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.

soll

[zoll]

should

Used to offer help or ask whether the speaker should do something.

Example

Soll ich eine Kerze vorbereiten?

Should I prepare a candle?

eine Überraschung bleiben.

EYE-nuh ue-ber-RAH-shoong BLY-ben

remain a surprise.

'Die Überraschung' means 'the surprise'. 'Bleiben' means 'to stay / remain'. Stress 'Ü': 'Ü-ber-RA-shung BLY-ben'.

Example

Das Geschenk soll eine Überraschung bleiben.

The present is supposed to stay a surprise.

Words in this phrase

eine

[EYE-nuh]

The feminine accusative article before 'Frage.'

Example

Ich möchte Ihnen eine Frage zur Arbeitskultur stellen.

I would like to ask you a question about work culture.

Überraschung

[ue-ber-RAH-shoong]

surprise

Feminine noun for something unexpected.

Example

Die Party ist eine Überraschung.

The party is a surprise.

bleiben

[BLY-ben]

to stay

Remain in a certain state or position.

Example

Er bleibt gesund durch Sport.

He stays healthy through sport.

Guides for German learners

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