When someone offers you food in German, it's important to know how to decline politely. In this workshop, you'll practice using phrases like «Nein, danke.» (No, thank you.) and «Ich bin satt.» (I'm full.) to refuse food gracefully. You'll also learn to respond when someone offers you more, and to understand the difference between being full and not liking something. Through guided practice, you'll build confidence to handle these situations naturally.
Basic Polite Refusals
The simplest way to refuse food is «Nein, danke.» which means 'No, thank you.' This works for any offer, whether food or drink. If you've eaten enough, you can say «Ich bin satt.» meaning 'I'm full.' This implies you're satisfied, not that you dislike the food. For a more explicit refusal, use «Danke, aber ich möchte nichts mehr.» meaning 'Thank you, but I don't want any more.' This is useful when someone keeps offering. Another warm option is «Das ist sehr nett, aber ich kann nicht mehr.» meaning 'That's very kind, but I can't eat any more.' This acknowledges the host's effort while declining.
Responding to Persistent Offers
Sometimes, after you decline, the host might ask «Bist du sicher? Es ist sehr lecker.» meaning 'Are you sure? It's very delicious.' You can respond with «Danke, aber ich kann wirklich nicht mehr.» meaning 'Thank you, but I really can't eat any more.' This politely but firmly ends the offer. Notice that the host's question is not pushy; it's a common way to show care. Your response should be appreciative but clear. Practice saying these phrases with a friendly tone to maintain a positive atmosphere.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
Nein, danke.
No, thank you.
nine DAHNG-kuh
Ich bin satt.
I'm full.
ikh bin zaht
Danke, aber ich möchte nichts mehr.
Thank you, but I don't want any more.
DAHNG-kuh, AH-ber ikh MERKH-tuh nikhts mair
Das ist sehr nett, aber ich kann nicht mehr.
That's very kind, but I can't eat any more.
dahs ist zair net, AH-ber ikh kahn nikht mair
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
Möchtest du noch ein Stück Kuchen?
Would you like another piece of cake?Nein, danke. Ich bin satt.
No, thank you. I'm full.Bist du sicher? Es ist sehr lecker.
Are you sure? It's very delicious.Danke, aber ich kann wirklich nicht mehr.
Thank you, but I really can't eat any more.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Exchange: Refusing Cake
Imagine you are at a friend's house. They offer you another piece of cake by saying: «Möchtest du noch ein Stück Kuchen?» (Would you like another piece of cake?) You are full and want to decline politely.
Your task: Respond aloud with «Nein, danke. Ich bin satt.» This means “No, thank you. I am full.” Repeat the offer and refusal as a short exchange. Compare your refusal with the recorded lines; a polite no and an explanation that you are full complete the task.
Reply Comprehension: Choose the Best Response
You hear someone say: «Danke, aber ich möchte nichts mehr.» (Thank you, but I don't want any more.) What does this mean? Choose the correct interpretation from the options below.
Your task: Select the best meaning: A) The person is still hungry. B) The person is politely refusing more food. C) The person dislikes the food. Say your answer out loud, then check below.
Recall and Role-Play: Both Sides
Now, practice both roles. First, you are the guest. Someone offers you more food. Decline politely using a phrase you learned. Then, switch roles: you are the host offering more, and the guest declines. Use the phrases from the recordings.
Your task: Perform the role-play out loud. For the guest, use at least one refusal phrase. For the host, use an offer and a follow-up question. Then, check your performance against the criteria.
Common questions
What is the difference between «Nein, danke.» and «Ich bin satt.»?
«Nein, danke.» is a general polite refusal for any offer. «Ich bin satt.» specifically means 'I'm full' and implies you've eaten enough, not that you dislike the food. Use «Ich bin satt.» when you want to explain why you're refusing more food.
How do I respond if someone keeps offering after I've declined?
You can say «Danke, aber ich kann wirklich nicht mehr.» meaning 'Thank you, but I really can't eat any more.' This is polite but firm. Alternatively, «Danke, aber ich möchte nichts mehr.» works too. Both show appreciation while making your refusal clear.
Sources and further reading
- german: decline food politelyChecked September 2026
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