Signification
States that something is absolutely not possible or acceptable.
Contexte culturel
In German business culture, 'Das kommt nicht infrage' is a sign of 'Klarheit' (clarity). It is better to say 'no' clearly than to give false hope. Austrians might use 'Das geht sich nicht aus' for 'that won't work,' which is slightly softer than the Prussian-sounding 'Das kommt nicht infrage.' Swiss German speakers use the phrase in formal High German contexts, but in dialect, they might use 'Das chunnt nöd in Frag,' maintaining the same logic. Younger Germans often replace this with 'No way' (English) or 'Auf keinen Fall,' as 'infrage kommen' can sound a bit like something a teacher or parent would say.
Use 'gar nicht' for impact
If you want to sound like a native speaker who is really serious, always add 'gar'. 'Das kommt gar nicht infrage' sounds much more natural in an argument.
Watch the verb
Never say 'Das ist nicht infrage.' It's a common English-speaker mistake. Always use 'kommen'.
Signification
States that something is absolutely not possible or acceptable.
Use 'gar nicht' for impact
If you want to sound like a native speaker who is really serious, always add 'gar'. 'Das kommt gar nicht infrage' sounds much more natural in an argument.
Watch the verb
Never say 'Das ist nicht infrage.' It's a common English-speaker mistake. Always use 'kommen'.
The 'Basta' effect
In Germany, this phrase is often the end of a discussion. If someone says it to you, they are usually not looking for a counter-argument.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Ein {der|m} Urlaub in diesem {der|m} Jahr ______ leider nicht ______.
The verb is 'kommen' and the fixed expression is 'infrage' (no article).
Which sentence is the most natural way to reject a suggestion firmly?
Dein {der|m} Freund möchte, dass du dein {das|n} Auto verkaufst. Du willst das absolut nicht.
'Das kommt nicht infrage' is the standard idiom for absolute refusal.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Können wir den {der|m} Termin auf Sonntag verschieben? B: Nein, am Sonntag arbeite ich nie. Das ______ ______ ______ ______.
'kommt gar nicht infrage' adds the necessary emphasis for a firm refusal.
Match the sentence to the correct context.
1. Welcher {der|m} Bewerber kommt infrage? / 2. Das kommt nicht infrage!
The positive form is about suitability; the negative is about refusal.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEin {der|m} Urlaub in diesem {der|m} Jahr ______ leider nicht ______.
The verb is 'kommen' and the fixed expression is 'infrage' (no article).
Dein {der|m} Freund möchte, dass du dein {das|n} Auto verkaufst. Du willst das absolut nicht.
'Das kommt nicht infrage' is the standard idiom for absolute refusal.
A: Können wir den {der|m} Termin auf Sonntag verschieben? B: Nein, am Sonntag arbeite ich nie. Das ______ ______ ______ ______.
'kommt gar nicht infrage' adds the necessary emphasis for a firm refusal.
1. Welcher {der|m} Bewerber kommt infrage? / 2. Das kommt nicht infrage!
The positive form is about suitability; the negative is about refusal.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsBoth 'infrage' and 'in Frage' are correct. The Duden recommends 'infrage' for the verbal idiom, but 'in Frage' is still very common in newspapers.
Yes! 'Er kommt als {der|m} Trainer nicht infrage' means 'He is not a candidate for the trainer position.'
It is very direct. In a formal setting, it's professional. In a casual setting, it can sound a bit 'bossy' or strict.
'Auf keinen Fall' is more emotional and informal. 'Infrage kommen' sounds more like a logical or structural rejection.
Yes, but it's rare. Usually, the present tense covers the future: 'Das wird nicht infrage kommen.'
No. You can ask 'Kommt das für dich infrage?' to ask if something is an option.
No, that is grammatically incorrect for this idiom. No article is used.
Yes, it is standard High German used in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Use 'für mich': 'Das kommt für mich nicht infrage.'
The opposite is simply 'infrage kommen' (positive) or 'eine {die|f} Option sein'.
Expressions liées
auf keinen Fall
synonymBy no means / No way
ausgeschlossen sein
synonymTo be excluded / impossible
infrage stellen
similarTo question something
indiskutabel
specialized formNot up for discussion
