Bedeutung
I lack this information.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Greeks value directness but also politeness. Saying 'Δεν το ξέρω' is often softened with 'δυστυχώς' (unfortunately) to show you wish you could help. In Cypriot Greek, you might hear 'Εν το ξέρω' instead of 'Δεν το ξέρω', using the local negation 'εν'. The Socratic method is built on the admission of ignorance. 'Δεν το ξέρω' is the modern descendant of this philosophical humility. On Greek social media, 'ΔΤΞ' is sometimes used as an abbreviation for 'Δεν Το Ξέρω' in fast-paced chats.
The 'It' Factor
Always include 'το' if you are talking about a specific item. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Gender Check
Remember: 'το' for things, 'τον' for men, 'την' for women. Don't call your Greek boyfriend 'το'!
Bedeutung
I lack this information.
The 'It' Factor
Always include 'το' if you are talking about a specific item. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Gender Check
Remember: 'το' for things, 'τον' for men, 'την' for women. Don't call your Greek boyfriend 'το'!
Softening the Blow
Add 'δυστυχώς' (unfortunately) or 'δεν είμαι σίγουρος' (I'm not sure) to sound more helpful.
The Greek Shrug
A small upward tilt of the head often accompanies this phrase. It's a non-verbal 'I don't know'.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing pronoun to say 'I don't know it'.
Αυτό το βιβλίο; Δεν ___ ξέρω.
Since 'βιβλίο' is neuter, you must use the neuter pronoun 'το'.
Which sentence is the most natural response to: 'Ξέρεις τον Κώστα;'
Response to: Ξέρεις τον Κώστα;
Kosta is a man, so you must use the masculine pronoun 'τον'.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Πού είναι τα κλειδιά μου; Β: Συγγνώμη, ________.
The keys (κλειδιά) are plural, so 'το' becomes 'τα'. (Note: This is a slight step up from the base phrase!)
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are asked about a specific street name you've never heard of.
'Street' (οδός) is feminine, but in casual speech, 'το' is often used for the 'name' (όνομα) of the street.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Choosing the Right Pronoun
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenΑυτό το βιβλίο; Δεν ___ ξέρω.
Since 'βιβλίο' is neuter, you must use the neuter pronoun 'το'.
Response to: Ξέρεις τον Κώστα;
Kosta is a man, so you must use the masculine pronoun 'τον'.
Α: Πού είναι τα κλειδιά μου; Β: Συγγνώμη, ________.
The keys (κλειδιά) are plural, so 'το' becomes 'τα'. (Note: This is a slight step up from the base phrase!)
You are asked about a specific street name you've never heard of.
'Street' (οδός) is feminine, but in casual speech, 'το' is often used for the 'name' (όνομα) of the street.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, but 'Δεν το ξέρω' is more precise when referring to a specific thing mentioned.
Both are used, but 'Δεν το ξέρω' is grammatically safer because 'ν' is kept before 'τ'.
'Ξέρω' is for facts and general knowledge. 'Γνωρίζω' is more formal or for deep acquaintance.
Use the past tense: 'Δεν το ήξερα'.
Not at all! It's a neutral, honest response.
No, use 'δεν τον ξέρω' (him) or 'δεν την ξέρω' (her).
Say 'Δεν ξέρω να...' followed by the verb (e.g., 'Δεν ξέρω να μαγειρεύω').
You would say 'Δεν τα ξέρω'.
Yes, 'Δεν έχω ιδέα' or 'Πού να ξέρω;' are very common.
In standard statements, no. It always stays before the verb.
Verwandte Redewendungen
δεν έχω ιδέα
similarI have no idea
δεν το γνωρίζω
specialized formI am not acquainted with it
δεν το ήξερα
builds onI didn't know it
πού να ξέρω;
contrastHow should I know?
το ξέρω
contrastI know it
