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A2 adverb 10분 분량

niemals

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 niemals 30초 만에

설명 niemals in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the basic concept of negation. While the shorter word 'nie' is usually taught first, 'niemals' is often encountered in simple, emphatic phrases. At this stage, the focus is on recognizing that 'niemals' means 'never' and understanding its position in a simple sentence (Subject + Verb + Niemals). Learners are encouraged to use it to express strong personal dislikes or simple habits that they don't have. For example, 'Ich trinke niemals Wein.' The distinction between 'nie' and 'niemals' is not yet critical, but recognizing the 'mals' ending as a marker of emphasis helps in building a foundation for more complex adverbs later on. Exercises at this level usually involve simple substitutions and basic sentence building.

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At the A2 level, students begin to see 'niemals' in a wider variety of contexts, including the perfect tense and with modal verbs. This is where the word order becomes more important. A2 learners should understand that 'niemals' often sits between the auxiliary verb and the main verb at the end of the sentence (e.g., 'Ich habe niemals Fleisch gegessen'). They also start to learn common collocations like 'niemals wieder' (never again) and 'fast niemals' (almost never). The emotional weight of the word becomes clearer, and students are encouraged to use it to make their speech sound more expressive. The focus shifts from simple recognition to active usage in personal descriptions and past-tense narratives.

By B1, learners are expected to use 'niemals' with more nuance and in more complex sentence structures, such as subordinate clauses. They should understand how 'niemals' interacts with conjunctions like 'weil' or 'dass' (e.g., 'Er sagt, dass er niemals lügt'). At this level, the rhetorical use of 'niemals' for emphasis—starting a sentence with the adverb to create drama—is introduced. B1 students should also be able to distinguish between 'niemals' and related terms like 'keinesfalls' or 'auf keinen Fall' based on whether the negation is temporal or conditional. The use of 'niemals' in professional contexts (safety, rules) and more formal written German also becomes a topic of study.

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At the B2 level, the focus is on the stylistic impact of 'niemals'. Students learn to use it in argumentative writing and formal presentations to highlight absolute points. They explore the word's role in idioms and proverbs, such as 'Sag niemals nie.' B2 learners should be comfortable using 'niemals' in the subjunctive mood (Konjunktiv II) for hypothetical situations: 'Das hätte ich niemals gedacht.' This level also delves into the historical and cultural significance of the word in German discourse, particularly in the context of 'Niemals wieder.' The nuances of register—when 'niemals' sounds too dramatic versus when it is perfectly appropriate—are refined through exposure to diverse media.

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C1 learners treat 'niemals' as a tool for sophisticated rhetoric. They study how its placement can subtly alter the focus of a sentence and how it contributes to the rhythm and tone of a text. At this stage, students analyze 'niemals' in literary works, philosophy, and high-level political speeches. They are expected to use it perfectly in complex grammatical structures, including extended adjective phrases (e.g., 'eine niemals versiegende Quelle'). The subtle differences between 'niemals', 'nimmer', and 'nimmermehr' are explored, and the learner is expected to choose the most appropriate term based on the desired register and historical context of their writing or speech.

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At the C2 level, the learner has a near-native grasp of 'niemals'. They can use it to convey irony, sarcasm, or profound philosophical certainty. They understand its etymological roots and how it has evolved in the German language. C2 students can debate the subtle psychological differences between saying 'Ich werde das nie tun' and 'Ich werde das niemals tun' in a variety of social and professional settings. They are also adept at using 'niemals' in creative writing to evoke specific atmospheres, utilizing its phonetic qualities and its long history in the German literary canon. Mastery at this level means 'niemals' is no longer just a vocabulary word, but a versatile instrument of expression.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

niemals 30초 만에

Niemals is the emphatic German word for 'never', used to show absolute certainty or strong emotion.
It is stronger than 'nie' and is often used in promises, denials, and formal contexts.
In a sentence, it usually follows the verb but can start the sentence for extra drama.
Common phrases include 'niemals wieder' (never again) and 'fast niemals' (almost never).

The German word niemals is a powerful temporal adverb that translates to 'never' in English. While it shares its core meaning with the shorter word nie, niemals carries a significantly higher degree of emphasis and finality. It is the linguistic equivalent of saying 'at no time whatsoever' or 'on no occasion.' Learners often encounter this word when speakers want to underscore a strict boundary, a lifelong habit, or a solemn promise. In the architecture of German negation, niemals stands as a pillar of absolute exclusion, leaving no room for exceptions or future possibilities.

Emphatic Negation: Used to provide a stronger 'never' than the standard 'nie'. It suggests a deliberate choice or a fundamental truth that spans across all time.
Temporal Scope: It refers to the past, present, and future simultaneously, creating a sense of permanence that 'nie' sometimes lacks in casual conversation.

Ich würde niemals mein Versprechen brechen.

Translation: I would never (ever) break my promise.

In daily German life, you will hear niemals in contexts ranging from legal testimony to romantic declarations. It is the word of 'No' that echoes through time. When a German speaker says 'Ich habe das nie getan,' they are stating a fact. When they say 'Ich habe das niemals getan,' they are defending their character, adding a layer of emotional weight to the denial. This distinction is crucial for English speakers who might use 'never' interchangeably; in German, choosing niemals is a conscious rhetorical move to increase the gravity of the statement.

Das hätte ich niemals für möglich gehalten.

Translation: I would never have thought that possible.

Register and Tone: While common in speech, it appears frequently in literature and formal speeches to evoke a sense of timelessness or absolute conviction.

Historically, the word is a compound of 'nie' (never) and 'mals' (times/occasions), literally meaning 'at no times.' This structural origin helps explain why it feels more expansive than its shorter counterpart. In modern usage, it often pairs with 'wieder' (again) to form the common phrase 'niemals wieder' (never again), a phrase deeply embedded in German historical consciousness and political discourse regarding the lessons of the past.

Constructing sentences with niemals follows the standard rules of German adverb placement, but because of its emphatic nature, its position can sometimes shift to highlight different parts of the sentence. In a standard declarative sentence, niemals typically follows the conjugated verb (the V2 position). However, if there are other elements like direct objects or pronouns, the word order can become more nuanced. Understanding these patterns is key to sounding natural and conveying the intended level of intensity.

Standard Position: In simple sentences, it appears right after the verb: 'Er lügt niemals.' (He never lies.) This is the most neutral way to use the word.
With Compound Verbs: When using perfect tenses or modal verbs, 'niemals' sits in the middle, while the infinitive or participle goes to the end: 'Ich werde niemals aufgeben.' (I will never give up.)

Wir haben niemals darüber gesprochen.

Translation: We never spoke about it.

One of the most interesting aspects of niemals is its use in the 'first position' for extreme emphasis. In German, you can move almost any element to the start of the sentence to draw attention to it. Starting a sentence with niemals creates a dramatic, almost theatrical effect. For example, 'Niemals werde ich das tun!' (Never will I do that!) sounds much more resolute than the standard 'Ich werde das niemals tun!' This inversion is a hallmark of sophisticated German rhetoric and is often used in debates or emotional storytelling.

Niemals hätte ich gedacht, dass wir gewinnen.

Translation: Never would I have thought that we would win.

Negation of Adjectives: It can also be used to negate adjectives or other adverbs directly, though this is less common than with 'nie'. Example: 'Ein niemals endender Regen' (A never-ending rain).

Furthermore, niemals is frequently paired with 'fast' (almost) or 'so gut wie' (virtually) to soften the absolute nature of the word. 'Ich trinke fast niemals Kaffee' indicates a frequency so low it borders on zero. This nuance allows speakers to maintain the weight of niemals while acknowledging tiny exceptions. In contrast to English, where 'never ever' is two words, German achieves this same intensity with the single word niemals, making it a concise tool for powerful communication.

In the real world, niemals is the word of boundaries and convictions. You will hear it in the intense atmosphere of a courtroom, the passionate exchange of a romantic movie, or the stern warnings of a parent to a child. It is not just a word of frequency; it is a word of character. When someone uses niemals, they are often making a statement about who they are or what they believe is fundamentally impossible or wrong. It resonates in the echoing halls of German history and the intimate whispers of personal secrets.

In News and Politics: Politicians use it to draw 'red lines'. You will often hear 'Niemals wieder Krieg' (Never again war) during commemorative events, serving as a national mantra.
In Pop Culture: Song lyrics are filled with 'niemals' because of its rhythmic weight and emotional resonance. It’s the perfect word for a chorus about eternal love or irreparable heartbreak.

„Sag niemals nie.“

Translation: Never say never. (A common proverb used in movies and daily life.)

In a work environment, niemals might be used by a manager discussing safety protocols: 'Wir dürfen niemals die Sicherheitsregeln ignorieren.' Here, it conveys a sense of non-negotiable duty. On the other hand, in a casual setting among friends, it might be used hyperbole: 'Ich würde niemals in dieses Restaurant gehen, das Essen ist schrecklich!' Even in exaggeration, the choice of niemals over 'nie' signals a stronger personal distaste. It is a word that demands the listener's attention and signals that the speaker is not speaking lightly.

Das wird niemals funktionieren!

Translation: That will never work! (Commonly heard in debates or brainstorming sessions.)

In Literature: Classical German authors like Goethe or Schiller used 'niemals' to elevate the tone of their dramas, contrasting the mortal 'now' with the eternal 'never'.

Interestingly, in Southern Germany and Austria, you might hear 'nimmer' as a regional variant, but niemals remains the standard across all German-speaking countries for formal and emphatic use. When you are watching a German talk show or listening to a podcast, pay attention to the transition from 'nie' to 'niemals'. Usually, once the speaker gets more passionate or wants to finalize a point, they will switch to the three-syllable weight of niemals to drive the point home.

For English speakers, the most frequent mistake isn't using niemals incorrectly in a grammatical sense, but rather using it in the wrong context or overusing it. Because English uses 'never' for everything from 'I never eat broccoli' to 'I will never forgive you,' learners tend to reach for niemals whenever they want to say 'never.' However, in German, using niemals for mundane, low-stakes situations can sound overly dramatic or even slightly comical, like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

Over-Emphasis: Mistake: Saying 'Ich trinke niemals Milch' for a simple habit. Correct: 'Ich trinke nie Milch.' Save 'niemals' for when you mean you would *under no circumstances* drink it.
Word Order Inversion: Mistake: 'Niemals ich habe das gesagt.' Correct: 'Niemals habe ich das gesagt.' The verb must be in the second position.

Falsch: Ich habe niemals Zeit. Richtig: Ich habe nie Zeit.

Note: Unless you literally mean you have zero time in your entire life, 'nie' is better for 'I'm always busy.'

Another trap is the 'Double Negative.' English speakers sometimes try to combine 'niemals' with other negative words like 'nicht' or 'kein' out of a desire to be extra negative. In German, 'niemals' is sufficient on its own. Adding 'nicht' makes the sentence confusing or grammatically incorrect. Furthermore, learners often forget that niemals is an adverb and cannot be used as a noun. You cannot have 'a niemals'; you must use nouns like 'die Unendlichkeit' or phrases like 'das Nimmerwiedersehen.'

Falsch: Niemals nicht rauche ich. Richtig: Ich rauche niemals.

Note: Double negatives do not intensify in standard German; they cancel each other out or are simply wrong.

Confusion with 'Nimmer': Learners sometimes find 'nimmer' in old books and try to use it. While related, 'nimmer' is archaic or very regional (South) and can sound out of place in modern Berlin or Hamburg.

Lastly, pay attention to the difference between 'niemals' and 'keinesfalls' (by no means). While both are emphatic, 'keinesfalls' is used for modal possibilities ('I can by no means do that'), whereas niemals is strictly temporal. Mixing these up won't always cause a misunderstanding, but it will mark you as a learner. Mastery of niemals comes from recognizing that its power lies in its restraint—use it when it really matters, and it will carry the weight you intend.

German offers a rich palette of negative adverbs, each with its own specific 'shade' of never. Understanding the alternatives to niemals allows you to be more precise in your expression. Whether you want to sound more casual, more formal, or more specific about why something is never happening, there is usually a better word than just the default 'never'. Let's explore the spectrum of negation from the simple 'nie' to the absolute 'unter keinen Umständen'.

Nie: The standard, everyday 'never'. It is neutral and used for 90% of situations where frequency is zero. 'Ich war nie in Paris.'
Keinesfalls / Auf keinen Fall: These mean 'under no circumstances' or 'no way'. They focus on the condition rather than the time. 'Das werde ich auf keinen Fall tun!'

„Das ist völlig ausgeschlossen.“

Translation: That is completely out of the question. (A strong alternative to 'niemals'.)

For those looking to sound more literary or old-fashioned, nimmer or nimmermehr are interesting choices. They are rarely used in speech today but appear in fairy tales and poetry. In contrast, if you want to be very modern and colloquial, you might use 'nie im Leben' (never in my life). This phrase is very common among younger speakers and carries a similar weight to niemals but feels more 'alive' and personal. It’s the kind of phrase you’d use when a friend asks if you’d ever eat a bug.

Ich würde nie im Leben Bungee-Springen machen!

Translation: I would never in my life go bungee jumping!

Überhaupt nicht: Means 'not at all'. While 'niemals' is about time, 'überhaupt nicht' is about intensity or degree. 'Ich mag das überhaupt nicht.'

Finally, consider the adverb selten (rarely). Sometimes learners use niemals when they actually mean 'hardly ever'. In German, being precise about frequency is appreciated. If there is even a 1% chance, fast nie (almost never) or äußerst selten (extremely rarely) are more accurate. Choosing the right word from this list doesn't just show you know German; it shows you understand the logic and the emotional landscape of the language.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The 'mals' part is the genitive form of 'Mal' (time/occasion), so the word literally means 'of no time'. This structure is shared with other German adverbs like 'damals' (at that time) and 'jemals' (ever).

발음 가이드

UK /ˈniːmaːls/

US /ˈniˌmɑls/

Primary stress is on the first syllable: NIE-mals.

라임이 맞는 단어

damals jemals mehrmals vielmals einstmals bereits Hals (partial) Salz (partial)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 'ie' as a short 'i' like in 'bit'. It must be a long 'ee' sound.
Swallowing the 'l' in the second syllable.
Stressing the second syllable (nie-MALS), which is incorrect.
Pronouncing the final 's' like a 'z'. In German, a final 's' is usually voiceless.
Making the 'a' in 'mals' too long; it should be relatively short.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to 'nie' and the English 'never'.

쓰기 3/5

Requires knowledge of V2 word order and when to use it over 'nie'.

말하기 3/5

Getting the emphasis and the long 'ie' sound right is key.

듣기 2/5

Clearly audible in speech due to its length and stress.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

nie nicht kein immer oft

다음에 배울 것

jemals damals mehrmals keinesfalls überhaupt

고급

nimmermehr beileibe schlechterdings mitnichten

알아야 할 문법

V2 Rule (Verb Second)

Niemals *gehe* ich dorthin. (Correct) vs. Niemals ich gehe dorthin. (Incorrect)

Perfect Tense Word Order

Ich habe ihn niemals *gesehen*. (Adverb before the participle)

Modal Verb Word Order

Du darfst niemals *aufgeben*. (Adverb between modal and infinitive)

Subordinate Clause Order

...weil ich niemals *lüge*. (Verb goes to the very end)

Negation of Adjectives

Ein niemals *endender* Film. (Used as a prefix-like modifier)

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수준별 예문

Ich esse niemals Fisch.

I never eat fish.

Simple V2 position: Subject (Ich) + Verb (esse) + Adverb (niemals).

Er kommt niemals zu spät.

He never comes too late.

Adverb modifying the verb 'kommt'.

Wir trinken niemals Bier.

We never drink beer.

Standard negation of a habit.

Das ist niemals wahr!

That is never true!

Using 'niemals' for emphatic denial of a fact.

Sie spielt niemals Fußball.

She never plays soccer.

Negating a frequentative action.

Mein Hund bellt niemals.

My dog never barks.

Describing a permanent trait.

Ich schlafe niemals im Büro.

I never sleep in the office.

Negating a location-based action.

Du sagst niemals 'Hallo'.

You never say 'Hello'.

Using 'niemals' to express a complaint.

Ich habe niemals ein Auto besessen.

I have never owned a car.

Perfect tense: 'niemals' sits between auxiliary and participle.

Wir werden niemals aufgeben.

We will never give up.

Future tense with 'werden' and 'niemals'.

Er kann niemals so schnell rennen.

He can never run that fast.

Modal verb 'kann' + 'niemals' + infinitive 'rennen'.

Ich möchte niemals dort wohnen.

I would never want to live there.

Modal verb 'möchte' expressing a strong preference.

Hast du niemals Angst?

Are you never afraid?

Question form: Verb starts the sentence, 'niemals' follows the subject.

Das habe ich niemals gesagt.

I never said that.

Emphatic denial in the past tense.

Sie darf niemals alleine ausgehen.

She is never allowed to go out alone.

Modal verb 'darf' expressing a strict rule.

Ich trinke fast niemals Kaffee.

I almost never drink coffee.

Using 'fast' to modify the intensity of 'niemals'.

Niemals würde ich meine Freunde verraten.

Never would I betray my friends.

Inversion for emphasis: 'Niemals' in first position, verb in second.

Es ist wichtig, dass wir niemals vergessen.

It is important that we never forget.

Subordinate clause with 'dass'; 'niemals' before the final verb.

Obwohl er reich ist, ist er niemals zufrieden.

Although he is rich, he is never satisfied.

Concessive clause with 'obwohl'.

Ich habe ihn niemals so wütend gesehen.

I have never seen him so angry.

Emphatic use in a descriptive past-tense sentence.

Man sollte niemals 'nie' sagen.

One should never say 'never'.

Modal verb 'sollte' with the proverb 'niemals nie'.

Er arbeitet so viel, dass er niemals Zeit für Hobbys hat.

He works so much that he never has time for hobbies.

Result clause with 'so... dass'.

Niemals zuvor war die Situation so ernst.

Never before was the situation so serious.

Combining 'niemals' with 'zuvor' (before) for historical emphasis.

Sie konnte sich niemals zwischen den beiden entscheiden.

She could never decide between the two of them.

Reflexive verb 'sich entscheiden' with 'niemals'.

Hätte ich das gewusst, hätte ich niemals zugestimmt.

Had I known that, I would never have agreed.

Konjunktiv II (Subjunctive) for hypothetical regret.

Die Schönheit der Natur wird niemals verblassen.

The beauty of nature will never fade.

Future tense used for a poetic, universal truth.

Er ist ein Mensch, der niemals sein Wort bricht.

He is a person who never breaks his word.

Relative clause: 'der niemals sein Wort bricht'.

Niemals hätte ich mit einem solchen Erfolg gerechnet.

Never would I have expected such a success.

Emphatic inversion with Konjunktiv II.

Man darf die Gefahr niemals unterschätzen.

One must never underestimate the danger.

Impersonal 'man' with a strong modal prohibition.

Diese Tat wird niemals ungesühnt bleiben.

This deed will never go unpunished.

Formal/legal register with 'ungesühnt' (unatoned).

Ich werde niemals verstehen, warum sie gegangen ist.

I will never understand why she left.

Future tense to express a permanent state of confusion.

Niemals wieder soll so etwas passieren.

Never again shall something like this happen.

Modal 'soll' used for a collective vow or moral imperative.

Es ist eine niemals endende Geschichte von Gier und Macht.

It is a never-ending story of greed and power.

Adjectival use of 'niemals endend' (never-ending).

Niemals zuvor in der Geschichte der Menschheit war Wissen so zugänglich.

Never before in the history of humanity was knowledge so accessible.

Complex adverbial phrase starting a historical observation.

Man kann niemals zweimal in denselben Fluss steigen.

One can never step into the same river twice.

Philosophical proverb (Heraclitus) in German translation.

Seine Arroganz kannte niemals Grenzen.

His arrogance never knew any bounds.

Literary description of a character trait.

Niemals hätte er gedacht, dass sein Schweigen solche Folgen haben würde.

Never would he have thought that his silence would have such consequences.

Double subordinate structure with emphatic inversion.

Die Hoffnung stirbt zuletzt, aber sie schläft niemals.

Hope dies last, but it never sleeps.

Poetic personification using 'niemals'.

Ein wahrer Künstler ist niemals mit seinem Werk zufrieden.

A true artist is never satisfied with their work.

Generalizing statement about a class of people.

Niemals darf man die Macht der Worte verkennen.

One must never misjudge the power of words.

Formal instruction using 'verkennen' (to misjudge).

Das Paradoxon liegt darin, dass das Absolute niemals greifbar ist.

The paradox lies in the fact that the absolute is never tangible.

High-level philosophical discourse.

Niemals zuvor wurde die Fragilität unserer Existenz so deutlich vor Augen geführt.

Never before has the fragility of our existence been so clearly demonstrated.

Passive voice with emphatic temporal adverb.

In der Unendlichkeit des Seins ist das 'Niemals' nur ein Wimpernschlag.

In the infinity of being, 'never' is but a blink of an eye.

Using 'Niemals' as a conceptual noun in a philosophical context.

Niemals hätte die Vernunft über den Instinkt gesiegt, wäre da nicht die Moral gewesen.

Never would reason have triumphed over instinct had it not been for morality.

Complex conditional structure with inversion.

Die niemals versiegende Quelle seiner Inspiration war die Melancholie.

The never-failing source of his inspiration was melancholy.

Participial adjective 'niemals versiegend' (never-drying/failing).

Ein System, das sich niemals selbst hinterfragt, ist zum Scheitern verurteilt.

A system that never questions itself is doomed to fail.

Reflexive relative clause in a political/sociological context.

Niemals darf die Freiheit der Kunst dem Diktat des Marktes geopfert werden.

The freedom of art must never be sacrificed to the dictates of the market.

Passive construction with modal 'darf' and dative object.

Es war ein niemals ausgesprochenes Einverständnis zwischen ihnen.

It was a never-spoken agreement between them.

Extended adjective phrase with 'niemals'.

자주 쓰는 조합

niemals wieder

fast niemals

so gut wie niemals

niemals zuvor

niemals mehr

niemals endend

fast schon niemals

wirklich niemals

absolut niemals

praktisch niemals

자주 쓰는 구문

Niemals wieder!

— A strong vow that something bad from the past should never happen again. Often used politically.

Niemals wieder Faschismus!

Sag niemals nie.

— The German version of 'Never say never'. It suggests keeping an open mind.

Vielleicht klappt es doch? Sag niemals nie.

Jetzt oder niemals.

— The equivalent of 'Now or never'. Used to signal a final opportunity.

Das ist unsere Chance: Jetzt oder niemals.

Niemals im Leben!

— An extremely strong 'No way!' used in casual conversation.

Soll ich das essen? Niemals im Leben!

Was du heute kannst besorgen, das verschiebe niemals auf morgen.

— A proverb warning against procrastination. Literally: What you can do today, never postpone until tomorrow.

Mach die Hausaufgaben jetzt! Was du heute kannst besorgen...

Niemals aufgeben.

— A common motivational phrase. It means 'Never give up'.

Egal wie schwer es ist: Niemals aufgeben.

Besser spät als niemals.

— Better late than never. Used when something happens later than expected.

Hier ist dein Geschenk. Besser spät als niemals.

Niemals vergessen.

— A command to keep a memory alive, usually for tragic historical events.

Wir werden die Opfer niemals vergessen.

Niemals allein.

— A comforting phrase meaning 'never alone'.

Du bist niemals allein, wir sind für dich da.

Für immer und niemals.

— A poetic, somewhat contradictory phrase often found in lyrics.

Ich liebe dich für immer und niemals.

자주 혼동되는 단어

niemals vs nie

'Nie' is neutral; 'niemals' is emphatic. Don't use 'niemals' for every 'never' or you will sound too dramatic.

niemals vs nimmer

'Nimmer' is old-fashioned or regional. Stick to 'niemals' in modern, standard German.

niemals vs keinesfalls

'Keinesfalls' means 'by no means' (conditional), while 'niemals' means 'at no time' (temporal).

관용어 및 표현

"Auf den Sankt-Nimmerleins-Tag verschieben"

— To postpone something indefinitely (to a day that will never come).

Er verschiebt die Arbeit auf den Sankt-Nimmerleins-Tag.

informal/idiomatic

"Nie und nimmer"

— Absolutely never; under no circumstances whatsoever.

Das werde ich nie und nimmer unterschreiben!

emphatic

"Niemals den Kopf hängen lassen"

— To never lose hope or courage.

Kopf hoch! Du darfst niemals den Kopf hängen lassen.

neutral

"Niemals zur Ruhe kommen"

— To never find peace or be able to relax.

In dieser Stadt kommt man niemals zur Ruhe.

neutral

"Niemals aus den Augen verlieren"

— To never lose sight of a goal or a person.

Wir dürfen unser Ziel niemals aus den Augen verlieren.

neutral

"Niemals um eine Antwort verlegen sein"

— To always have an answer or an excuse ready.

Er ist niemals um eine Antwort verlegen.

neutral

"Niemals klein beigeben"

— To never back down or surrender.

Sie wird niemals klein beigeben, sie kämpft weiter.

neutral

"Niemals genug kriegen"

— To never be satisfied; to always want more.

Er kann von Schokolade niemals genug kriegen.

informal

"Niemals alt werden"

— To stay young at heart or to remain relevant.

Gute Musik wird niemals alt.

neutral

"Niemals locker lassen"

— To never give up or stop trying to achieve something.

Du musst an der Sache dranbleiben und niemals locker lassen.

informal

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niemals vs jemals

They sound similar (both end in -mals).

'Jemals' means 'ever', while 'niemals' means 'never'. They are direct opposites.

Warst du jemals dort? Nein, niemals.

niemals vs damals

They share the same ending.

'Damals' refers to a specific time in the past ('back then'), while 'niemals' refers to no time at all.

Damals war alles anders.

niemals vs mehrmals

Both are frequency adverbs with -mals.

'Mehrmals' means 'several times', whereas 'niemals' means zero times.

Ich habe ihn mehrmals angerufen.

niemals vs einmal

Basic temporal adverbs.

'Einmal' is 'once', 'niemals' is 'never'.

Ich war nur einmal dort.

niemals vs manchmal

Both end in -mal(s).

'Manchmal' means 'sometimes'.

Manchmal regnet es.

문장 패턴

[Subject] [Verb] niemals.

Ich rauche niemals.

[Subject] [Haben/Sein] niemals [Participle].

Er hat niemals gelogen.

[Subject] [Modal] niemals [Infinitive].

Wir können niemals gewinnen.

Niemals [Verb] [Subject] ...

Niemals würde ich das tun.

... dass [Subject] niemals [Verb].

... dass er niemals kommt.

[Hätte/Wäre] [Subject] ..., [hätte/wäre] [Subject] niemals ...

Hätte ich das gewusst, wäre ich niemals gekommen.

Ein(e) niemals [Participle] [Noun] ...

Eine niemals endende Liebe.

Niemals zuvor in der Geschichte [Verb] ...

Niemals zuvor in der Geschichte war das Volk so einig.

어휘 가족

명사

Das Niemals (rare/philosophical)

형용사

niemals endend

사용법

frequency

High, but less common than 'nie'.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'niemals' for simple frequency. → Ich trinke nie Kaffee.
Using 'niemals' for simple habits sounds too dramatic. 'Nie' is the standard choice for everyday occurrences.
Incorrect word order with inversion. → Niemals habe ich das gesagt.
Learners often say 'Niemals ich habe...', but the verb must stay in the second position.
Confusing 'niemals' with 'jemals'. → Warst du jemals in Berlin?
'Jemals' is 'ever', 'niemals' is 'never'. They are opposites, but their similar sound causes confusion.
Using 'niemals' as a noun. → Das wird niemals passieren.
You cannot say 'The niemals'. It's an adverb. Use 'die Unendlichkeit' for infinity.
Double negatives. → Ich tue das niemals.
Avoid 'Ich tue das niemals nicht'. German doesn't use double negatives for emphasis like some English dialects.

팁

Verb Position

Always keep the verb in the second position if you start your sentence with 'Niemals'. This is the most common mistake for English speakers.

Don't Overuse

If you use 'niemals' for everything, you'll sound like a character in a soap opera. Use 'nie' for the small stuff and 'niemals' for the big stuff.

The Long IE

Make sure to hold the 'ie' sound. If it's too short, it might be harder to understand. Think of the English word 'knee'.

Niemals Wieder

Memorize this phrase as a single unit. It's incredibly powerful in German culture and history.

Listen for Stress

The first syllable 'NIE' is where the emotion lies. If a speaker hits that syllable hard, they are being very serious.

Adjective Use

You can use 'niemals' to create compound adjectives like 'niemals endend'. This is a great way to elevate your writing level.

Regional Variants

If you are in Bavaria and hear 'nimmer', don't be confused. It's just a local way of saying 'nie' or 'niemals'.

Zero Probability

Only use 'niemals' if you are 100% sure. If there's a tiny chance, use 'fast nie'.

Proverbs

Learn 'Sag niemals nie'. It's an easy way to sound more like a native speaker in casual conversations.

The 'Mals' Suffix

Remember that '-mals' relates to 'times'. So 'niemals' = 'no times'. This helps distinguish it from other 'nie-' words.

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기억법

Think of 'NIE' (Never) + 'MALS' (Miles). If you go zero 'miles', you will 'niemals' arrive. Or associate 'mals' with 'multiplication' - zero multiplied by anything is 'niemals' anything else.

시각적 연상

Imagine a giant red 'X' over a clock that has no hands. The clock represents time, and the 'X' represents 'never'.

Word Web

nie immer Zeit Punkt Ende Versprechen Vergangenheit Zukunft

챌린지

Try to write three sentences about things you would 'niemals' do, even for a million euros. Use the word 'niemals' in a different position in each sentence.

어원

The word 'niemals' developed from the Middle High German 'nie' combined with 'māles'. The 'nie' part comes from Old High German 'nio', which is a contraction of 'ni' (not) and 'eo' (always/ever).

원래 의미: At no time; on no occasion.

Germanic

문화적 맥락

Be careful using 'niemals wieder' in political contexts unless you are familiar with the historical weight it carries in Germany.

English speakers use 'never' very loosely ('I never have time'). Germans prefer 'nie' for these casual uses and save 'niemals' for serious or dramatic statements.

James Bond: 'Sag niemals nie' (Never Say Never Again). The phrase 'Niemals wieder' in political memorials. Goethe's poems often use 'niemals' to express eternal longing.

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실제 사용 상황

Personal Habits

Ich rauche niemals.
Ich trinke niemals Alkohol.
Ich esse niemals Fleisch.
Ich komme niemals zu spät.

Promises and Vows

Ich werde dich niemals verlassen.
Ich werde niemals lügen.
Ich werde niemals aufgeben.
Ich werde das niemals vergessen.

Expressing Disbelief

Das kann niemals wahr sein!
Das hättest du niemals tun sollen.
Niemals hätte ich das gedacht.
Das passiert niemals!

Safety and Rules

Niemals das Feuer unbeaufsichtigt lassen.
Niemals ohne Helm fahren.
Niemals Fremden die Tür öffnen.
Niemals die Regeln brechen.

General Truths

Die Zeit bleibt niemals stehen.
Man lernt niemals aus.
Wahre Liebe rostet niemals.
Es ist niemals zu spät.

대화 시작하기

"Was würdest du niemals für eine Million Euro tun?"

"Welches Essen würdest du niemals probieren?"

"Gibt es einen Ort, an den du niemals zurückkehren möchtest?"

"Was hättest du als Kind niemals für möglich gehalten?"

"Welches Gesetz würdest du niemals brechen?"

일기 주제

Schreibe über eine Sache, die du niemals aufgeben wirst, egal wie schwer es wird.

Gibt es ein Versprechen, das du niemals gebrochen hast? Warum ist es dir wichtig?

Reflektiere über den Satz 'Sag niemals nie'. Gab es eine Situation, in der du deine Meinung komplett geändert hast?

Was sind drei Dinge, die du in deinem Leben niemals wieder tun möchtest?

Wie definierst du das Wort 'niemals'? Ist es für dich ein beängstigendes oder ein beruhigendes Wort?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, 'niemals' is just stronger. In 90% of cases, especially for simple facts, 'nie' is the more natural choice. Use 'niemals' when you want to emphasize that something is absolutely impossible or when you are making a solemn promise.

Yes, and it’s very effective for emphasis! Just remember that the verb must come next. For example: 'Niemals werde ich das vergessen!' This sounds much more dramatic than 'Ich werde das niemals vergessen!'

'Niemals' is about time (never). 'Auf keinen Fall' is about circumstances (no way / under no circumstances). Often they are interchangeable, but 'auf keinen Fall' is slightly more common in spoken German for refusals.

It is neutral and can be used in both. However, because it is emphatic, it appears more often in formal speeches, literature, and serious discussions than in very casual slang.

No, 'niemals' is an adverb. Adverbs in German are indeclinable, meaning they never change their form, regardless of the subject or the case of the nouns in the sentence.

Generally, no. In standard German, double negatives are not used for emphasis. 'Niemals nicht' would technically mean 'always' (a double negative), but it mostly just sounds like a grammatical error.

You say 'fast niemals' or 'so gut wie niemals'. Both are very common. 'Fast nie' is also perfectly acceptable and slightly more common in casual speech.

It's the German equivalent of 'Never say never'. It's a common proverb used to suggest that things you think are impossible might actually happen one day.

Yes, very often! For example: 'Ich habe niemals ein Instrument gelernt.' In the past tense, it usually sits between the auxiliary verb (haben/sein) and the past participle at the end.

The '-s' at the end is a relic of an old genitive construction used to form adverbs. You see this in other words like 'damals', 'einstmals', and 'bereits'. It is always 'niemals' with an 's'.

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