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How to Say ‘I don't understand’ in German

Ich verstehe nicht

ikh fer-SHTAY-uh nikht

[ikh fer-SHTAY-uh nikht]

Phrase Breakdown

Ich

[ikh]

I

The first-person singular pronoun used when speaking about yourself.

Example

Ich verstehe nicht, können Sie das wiederholen?

I do not understand, can you repeat that?

verstehe

[fer-SHTAY-uh]

understand

A verb meaning to understand; here it is in the 'I' form.

Example

Wenn Sie schnell sprechen, verstehe ich verstehe nicht manchmal nur wenig.

When you speak quickly, I sometimes understand only a little.

nicht

[nikht]

not

The main word used to negate verbs, adjectives, or whole statements.

Example

Ich verstehe nicht, was das bedeutet.

I do not understand what that means.

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