😔🚫

How to Say ‘Unfortunately that's not possible.’ in German

Das geht leider nicht.

dahs gayt LY-der nicht

[dahs gayt LY-der nicht]

💬 Usage Tip: geht literally means "goes", but das geht means "that works". Geht das? means "Is that possible?"

Phrase Breakdown

Das geht

dahs gayt

That works / that's possible

'Gehen' literally means 'to go', but 'das geht' means 'that's possible'. The 'h' in 'geht' is silent.

Example

Morgen? Ja, das geht.

Tomorrow? Yes, that works.

Words in this phrase

Das

[dahs]

that; it

Refers back to a previous statement or situation, often translated as 'that' or 'it.'

Example

Das hat einen positiven Eindruck hinterlassen.

That left a positive impression.

geht

[gayt]

works / is possible

Form of 'gehen'; with 'es' it asks whether something is possible or convenient.

Example

Geht es am Samstag?

Does Saturday work?

leider nicht.

LY-der nicht

unfortunately not

'Leider' means 'unfortunately' and softens a refusal. Say it as 'LAI-der'.

Example

Ich habe leider nicht viel Zeit.

Unfortunately, I don't have much time.

Words in this phrase

leider

[LY-der]

unfortunately

Adverb used to express regret, often before bad news.

Example

Leider sind wir heute ausgebucht.

Unfortunately we are fully booked today.

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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