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How to Say ‘Oh, it's just a little something.’ in German

Ach, das ist doch nur eine Kleinigkeit.

ahkh dahs ist dokh noor EYE-nuh KLY-nikh-kite

[ahkh dahs ist dokh noor EYE-nuh KLY-nikh-kite]

🇩🇪 In Germany: Playing down your gift is the expected reply when someone says you shouldn't have. Germans favour modest, thoughtful gifts over expensive ones, which can make hosts uncomfortable.

Phrase Breakdown

Ach, das ist doch nur

ahkh dahs ist dokh noor

Oh, it's just

'Ach' is a casual 'oh'. Together with 'doch nur', it modestly downplays something.

Example

Ach, das ist doch nur ein Witz.

Oh, it's just a joke.

Words in this phrase

Ach

[ahkh]

Interjection expressing modesty, surprise or dismissal.

Example

Ach, das macht nichts.

Oh, that doesn't matter.

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.

ist

[ist]

A form of the verb 'sein' used for singular subjects.

Example

Für viele Bewerber Ist ein gutes Teamklima entscheidend.

For many applicants, a good team climate is crucial.

doch

[dokh]

really / after all (softening)

Modal particle that softens or emphasizes a statement, here downplaying it.

Example

Das ist doch klar.

That's obvious, really.

nur

[noor]

only

No more than; exclusively.

Example

Nur du kannst das tun.

Only you can do that.

eine Kleinigkeit.

EYE-nuh KLY-nikh-kite

a little thing.

A common modest reply when someone thanks you for a gift. Stress the first syllable: KLEI-nig-keit.

Example

Ich habe eine Kleinigkeit für dich.

I have a little something for you.

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.

Kleinigkeit

[KLY-nikh-kite]

small thing, trifle

Feminine noun for something minor or unimportant; often used modestly about a gift.

Example

Ich habe eine Kleinigkeit mitgebracht.

I brought a little something.

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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