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How to Say ‘Oh, nonsense’ in German

Ach was

ahkh vahs

[ahkh vahs]

🇩🇪 In Germany: A friendly way to brush off someone's worry or apology. It means "don't be silly" and sounds warm, not dismissive.

Phrase Breakdown

Ach

[ahkh]

oh, ah

Interjection expressing surprise, dismissal or emotion.

Example

Ach, das macht nichts.

Oh, that doesn't matter.

was

[vahs]

nonsense (with 'ach')

In 'ach was' it dismisses a worry: 'not at all'.

Example

Ach was, kein Problem!

Nonsense, no problem!

Guides for German learners

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