Signification
To express strong disagreement or disbelief about a statement.
Contexte culturel
Directness is valued. Saying 'Von wegen!' is often seen as being 'ehrlich' (honest) rather than just rude. Austrians might use 'Geh bitte!' or 'A geh!' in similar situations, which sounds slightly more melodic but carries the same disbelief. Swiss German speakers might use 'Vo wege!' but often prefer 'Vo wege was?' or other regional variations like 'Dänk dänk!' In Berlin, 'Von wegen' is often delivered with a very dry, 'Schnauze' (snout) attitude, making it sound particularly sharp.
The Sarcastic Echo
To sound like a native, repeat the word you are disagreeing with: 'Von wegen [Word]!'
Watch your tone
If you say it too loudly or with a mean face, it can start an argument. Use a smirk to keep it friendly.
Signification
To express strong disagreement or disbelief about a statement.
The Sarcastic Echo
To sound like a native, repeat the word you are disagreeing with: 'Von wegen [Word]!'
Watch your tone
If you say it too loudly or with a mean face, it can start an argument. Use a smirk to keep it friendly.
Regional variations
In the North, you might hear 'Nix da!' as a similar short rejection.
Teste-toi
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: 'Ich habe gehört, der Test morgen wird total einfach.' B: '_________! Ich habe die Fragen gesehen, sie sind extrem schwer.'
The speaker is contradicting the idea that the test is easy, so 'Von wegen' is the perfect fit.
Match the statement to the sarcastic 'Von wegen' response.
Statement: 'Mein neuer Hund ist sehr brav und leise.'
The response must contradict the specific quality mentioned (being 'brav').
Fill in the missing words to mock the concept of 'spring'.
A: 'Endlich ist es Frühling!' B: 'Von wegen _________! Es schneit draußen.'
In this pattern, you repeat the noun used by the first speaker to mock it.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesA: 'Ich habe gehört, der Test morgen wird total einfach.' B: '_________! Ich habe die Fragen gesehen, sie sind extrem schwer.'
The speaker is contradicting the idea that the test is easy, so 'Von wegen' is the perfect fit.
Statement: 'Mein neuer Hund ist sehr brav und leise.'
The response must contradict the specific quality mentioned (being 'brav').
A: 'Endlich ist es Frühling!' B: 'Von wegen _________! Es schneit draußen.'
In this pattern, you repeat the noun used by the first speaker to mock it.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsIt can be. It's very direct. Use it with friends, but avoid it in formal or professional settings.
Yes! You can say 'Von wegen [Noun]!' to reject almost any concept someone just mentioned.
'Nein' is a simple fact. 'Von wegen' is an emotional, sarcastic rejection of a statement.
In its idiomatic form, no. It's a frozen expression.
Only in informal writing like texts or emails to friends. Avoid it in essays.
Yes, but 'Pustekuchen' is more old-fashioned and funny.
It's a historical leftover from the prepositional phrase 'von ... wegen'.
Usually, 'Echt?' or 'Wirklich?' is better for surprise. 'Von wegen!' implies you don't believe it.
Yes, it is universally understood and used across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
No, that's a common mistake. For 'because of', just use 'wegen'.
'No way!' or 'As if!' are the closest in meaning and tone.
It might be considered 'frech' (cheeky), so it depends on the family!
Yes, 'Mitnichten' is the formal equivalent.
Like an English 'v'. Never like an English 'w'.
Expressions liées
Denkste!
synonymThat's what you think!
Pustekuchen!
similarNo way! / Nothing doing!
Mitnichten
synonymBy no means
Auf gar keinen Fall
similarAbsolutely not
Träum weiter!
similarKeep dreaming!
