Bedeutung
Responding that nothing has changed
Kultureller Hintergrund
Czechs often prefer 'Nic nového' over enthusiastic positive responses to avoid 'jinxing' their luck or appearing boastful. In traditional cafés, 'Nic nového' is the sound of a relaxed afternoon where time stands still. The phrase is often used in literature to depict the 'maloměšťáctví' (petty bourgeois) lifestyle where nothing ever changes. Similar phrases exist in Polish (Nic nowego) and Russian (Ничего нового), showing a shared linguistic heritage.
The Safe Bet
If you are ever unsure how to answer a Czech greeting, 'Nic nového' is always a safe, polite, and natural choice.
Don't be too cold
If you say it too quickly and walk away, it might seem like you are avoiding the person. Add a smile!
Bedeutung
Responding that nothing has changed
The Safe Bet
If you are ever unsure how to answer a Czech greeting, 'Nic nového' is always a safe, polite, and natural choice.
Don't be too cold
If you say it too quickly and walk away, it might seem like you are avoiding the person. Add a smile!
Add 'Zatím'
Adding 'Zatím' (Zatím nic nového) makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
The Shrug
A small shoulder shrug often accompanies this phrase in Czechia. It's part of the non-verbal grammar!
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of the word 'nový'.
Co je u tebe? - Nic _______.
After 'nic', the adjective must be in the genitive case.
Match the response to the question.
Co se děje v práci?
'Nic nového' is the logical response to a question about updates.
Complete the dialogue.
Petr: Ahoj Jano, co je nového? Jana: ________.
This is the most natural way to answer a 'What's new?' greeting.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct option:
The phrase 'Nic nového' is the standard idiomatic and grammatical form.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
When to say 'Nic nového'
Social
- • Friends
- • Neighbors
- • Family
Work
- • Status updates
- • Project checks
- • Meetings
Life
- • Politics
- • Weather
- • Daily routine
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenCo je u tebe? - Nic _______.
After 'nic', the adjective must be in the genitive case.
Co se děje v práci?
'Nic nového' is the logical response to a question about updates.
Petr: Ahoj Jano, co je nového? Jana: ________.
This is the most natural way to answer a 'What's new?' greeting.
Select the correct option:
The phrase 'Nic nového' is the standard idiomatic and grammatical form.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
14 FragenNo, it's a very standard and neutral response. However, tone of voice matters—keep it friendly!
Because the word 'nic' requires the following adjective to be in the genitive case.
Yes, it's perfectly fine for a casual update, though 'Beze změn' is slightly more formal.
'Nic nového' is more literal (nothing new), while 'Vše při starém' is more idiomatic (everything is as it used to be).
You say 'Je něco nového?'
Yes, if they ask for a status update and nothing has changed, it's appropriate.
Yes, it is a universal phrase used from Prague to Ostrava.
Usually 'To je dobře' (That's good) or 'A co u tebe?' (And what about you?).
Yes, it can imply that your sad situation hasn't improved, but it doesn't describe the sadness itself.
Slang versions include 'Pořád stejný pecky' or 'Klasika'.
Yes, you can say 'V lednici není nic nového' (There's nothing new in the fridge).
Absolutely, it's one of the most useful phrases to learn first.
Say 'Vůbec nic nového'.
Yes, 'Nic nového' or 'Vše při starém' are the closest equivalents to 'Same old, same old'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Vše při starém
synonymEverything as it was
Žádná změna
similarNo change
Nic moc
contrastNot much / Not great
Co je nového?
builds onWhat's new?
Stará vesta
specialized formOld news
