In German, a simple no can sound abrupt. This workshop gives you recorded, natural ways to decline politely in everyday situations. You will hear each phrase, learn what it means in English, and then practise short exchanges. You will take both roles in turn, so you can speak as the person offering and as the person replying. The focus is on clear, friendly refusals that fit the situation.
Polite refusals for offers and invitations
When someone offers you something, a short polite refusal is normal. The recorded line «Nein, danke.» means 'No, thank you.' It is a safe, friendly way to decline food, drink, or a small offer. If you want to sound softer or less definite, «Nicht wirklich.» means 'Not really.' You can use it when you are not interested but do not want to say a hard no. A slightly fuller version is «Nein, nicht wirklich.», which means 'No, not really.' It adds a gentle hesitation. For a strong refusal, «Auf keinen Fall.» means 'No way' or 'under no circumstances.' Use it only when you really mean it, because it is very direct. In the recorded exchange, «Möchtest du noch ein Stück Kuchen?» asks 'Would you like another piece of cake?' and «Nein, danke. Ich bin satt.» replies 'No, thank you. I'm full.' That reply combines a polite refusal with a simple reason. In another recorded exchange, «Kommst du morgen mit ins Kino?» asks 'Are you coming to the cinema with us tomorrow?' and «Nicht wirklich. Ich habe keine Zeit.» replies 'Not really. I don't have time.' Here the refusal is softened and followed by a reason. Notice that the reason stays simple and does not need to be long.
Choosing the right refusal for the situation
Different situations call for different levels of directness. For food or drink, «Nein, danke.» is usually enough. If someone asks whether you want to join an activity, «Nicht wirklich.» or «Nein, nicht wirklich.» can work well because they leave room for a gentle tone. If you need to be very clear, «Auf keinen Fall.» is strong and direct. In the recorded cake exchange, «Möchtest du noch ein Stück Kuchen?» is the offer and «Nein, danke. Ich bin satt.» is the reply. The reply uses «Nein, danke.» plus a reason, so it sounds complete and polite. In the recorded cinema exchange, «Kommst du morgen mit ins Kino?» is the invitation and «Nicht wirklich. Ich habe keine Zeit.» is the reply. The reply uses «Nicht wirklich.» plus a reason. When you practise, keep the order: first the offer or question, then your refusal, then a short reason if you want one. Do not start with the reason before the refusal. You can also repeat the same pattern with different recorded lines, but always keep the polite refusal first.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
Nein, danke.
No, thank you.
nine DAHN-kuh
Nicht wirklich.
Not really.
nisht VIRK-likh (short i)
Nein, nicht wirklich.
No, not really.
nine, nisht VIRK-likh (short i)
Auf keinen Fall.
No way; under no circumstances.
owf KY-nen fahl
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.Kommst du morgen mit ins Kino?
Are you coming to the cinema with us tomorrow?Nicht wirklich. Ich habe keine Zeit.
Not really. I don't have time.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided exchange: decline cake politely
You are at a table with a friend. Your friend offers you another piece of cake. You are full and want to decline politely.
Your task: Read the offer line aloud as the host: «Möchtest du noch ein Stück Kuchen?». Then reply as the guest using the recorded refusal that means 'No, thank you. I'm full.': «Nein, danke. Ich bin satt.». Say both lines in order. Then swap roles and repeat.
Reply comprehension: choose the right refusal
You hear two recorded questions. One is about cake, one is about cinema. You need to choose the recorded reply that fits each question.
Your task: Question 1 is «Möchtest du noch ein Stück Kuchen?». Which recorded reply fits: «Nein, danke. Ich bin satt.» or «Nicht wirklich. Ich habe keine Zeit.»? Question 2 is «Kommst du morgen mit ins Kino?». Which recorded reply fits: «Nein, danke. Ich bin satt.» or «Nicht wirklich. Ich habe keine Zeit.»? Say your choice aloud, then say the full reply line.
Recall with correct roles: offer and decline
You will recall two short exchanges from memory. One is about cake, one is about cinema. You will take both roles.
Your task: First, say the cake exchange from memory: the offer line, then the reply line. Use the recorded lines «Möchtest du noch ein Stück Kuchen?» and «Nein, danke. Ich bin satt.». Then say the cinema exchange from memory: the question line, then the reply line. Use «Kommst du morgen mit ins Kino?» and «Nicht wirklich. Ich habe keine Zeit.». After that, swap roles and say both exchanges again, keeping the same order.
Common questions
Can I use «Auf keinen Fall.» for every refusal?
No. «Auf keinen Fall.» means 'No way' or 'under no circumstances.' It is very strong and direct. For everyday offers like cake, «Nein, danke.» is more suitable. For invitations, «Nicht wirklich.» or «Nein, nicht wirklich.» can sound softer. Use «Auf keinen Fall.» only when you really want to be firm.
Do I always need to give a reason after saying no?
No. «Nein, danke.» and «Nicht wirklich.» work on their own. In the recorded exchanges, «Nein, danke. Ich bin satt.» adds 'I'm full' and «Nicht wirklich. Ich habe keine Zeit.» adds 'I don't have time.' A short reason can make the refusal sound fuller, but it is not required. You can simply say «Nein, danke.» or «Nicht wirklich.» and stop.
Sources and further reading
- german: german way to say noChecked September 2026
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