😔🚫🆓⏰

How to Say ‘Unfortunately not, everything's taken right now.’ in German

Leider nicht, gerade ist alles besetzt.

LY-der nicht guh-RAH-duh ist AH-less beh-ZETST

[LY-der nicht guh-RAH-duh ist AH-less beh-ZETST]

💬 Usage Tip: Leider nicht "unfortunately not" is a complete polite no on its own, useful any time you're refusing something.

Phrase Breakdown

Leider nicht,

LY-der nicht

Unfortunately not,

'Leider' (unfortunately) is pronounced LIE-der. Pause briefly after the comma.

Example

Leider nicht, tut mir leid.

Unfortunately not, sorry.

Words in this phrase

Leider

[LY-der]

unfortunately

A polite way to introduce bad news or say something does not work.

Example

Leider kann ich den Termin nicht wahrnehmen.

Unfortunately, I can’t make the appointment.

nicht

[nicht]

not

Used to negate a sentence.

Example

Dieses Angebot gibt's nicht mehr.

This offer no longer exists.

gerade ist

guh-RAH-duh ist

right now (it) is

'gerade' means 'right now' and is stressed on 'RA'. The 'g' is hard, as in 'go'.

Example

Gerade ist es ruhig.

Right now it is quiet.

Words in this phrase

gerade

[guh-RAH-duh]

currently; right now

Indicates that something is the case at the present moment.

Example

In Es gibt gerade ähnliche Stellen. bedeutet gerade „im Moment“.

In 'Es gibt gerade ähnliche Stellen.' 'gerade' means 'at the moment'.

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.

alles besetzt.

AH-less beh-ZETST

everything taken.

'besetzt' means occupied or taken and is stressed on 'SETZT'. Pronounce the ending crisply: 'tst'.

Example

Der Platz ist besetzt.

The seat is taken.

Words in this phrase

alles

[AH-less]

everything; all

A common word meaning everything or all things, depending on context.

Example

Alles ist in Ordnung.

Everything is fine.

besetzt

[beh-ZETST]

occupied; taken

Used for seats, tables or toilets that someone is already using.

Example

Ist dieser Platz besetzt?

Is this seat taken?

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