Meaning
An action or effort will not yield any positive results or benefit.
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Direktheit' (directness). Saying 'Das bringt nichts' is not considered rude in most practical contexts; it's seen as being honest about a waste of time. In Austria, you might hear 'Des bringt nix' (dialect). The sentiment is the same, but often delivered with a bit more 'Wiener Schmäh' (Viennese sarcasm/humor). Swiss German speakers might use 'Das bringt nüt'. The Swiss culture also highly values efficiency, so the phrase is used frequently in professional settings. In modern German startups, the phrase is often used to 'kill' features or ideas that don't have a clear ROI (Return on Investment).
Use with 'eh'
In casual speech, Germans often say 'Das bringt eh nichts' (It brings nothing anyway). It makes you sound very native.
Don't be too blunt
In a new relationship or with a boss, 'Das bringt nichts' can sound too aggressive. Use 'Ich bin mir nicht sicher, ob uns das weiterbringt' instead.
Meaning
An action or effort will not yield any positive results or benefit.
Use with 'eh'
In casual speech, Germans often say 'Das bringt eh nichts' (It brings nothing anyway). It makes you sound very native.
Don't be too blunt
In a new relationship or with a boss, 'Das bringt nichts' can sound too aggressive. Use 'Ich bin mir nicht sicher, ob uns das weiterbringt' instead.
The 'Doch' factor
If someone says 'Das bringt nichts', you can challenge them with 'Doch!' (Yes it does!).
Past tense usage
Always use 'hat...gebracht' for the past. 'Es brachte nichts' is mostly found in books.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb to complete the expression.
Ich habe den {der|m} Schlüssel gesucht, aber es _______ nichts.
The expression is 'es bringt nichts'.
Which sentence is the best response to a broken toaster that won't turn on after 5 attempts?
Der {der|m} Toaster ist kaputt.
'Das bringt nichts' expresses that further attempts to use it are futile.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
A: Sollen wir noch einmal über {das|n} Problem reden? B: Nein, wir haben schon drei Stunden diskutiert. _________.
In this context, B is frustrated and wants to stop, indicating futility.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are trying to convince a very stubborn person to change their mind, but they aren't listening.
It describes the futility of the persuasion attempt.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Bringt vs. Macht
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch habe den {der|m} Schlüssel gesucht, aber es _______ nichts.
The expression is 'es bringt nichts'.
Der {der|m} Toaster ist kaputt.
'Das bringt nichts' expresses that further attempts to use it are futile.
A: Sollen wir noch einmal über {das|n} Problem reden? B: Nein, wir haben schon drei Stunden diskutiert. _________.
In this context, B is frustrated and wants to stop, indicating futility.
Situation: You are trying to convince a very stubborn person to change their mind, but they aren't listening.
It describes the futility of the persuasion attempt.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! Adding 'gar' or 'überhaupt' makes it 'It brings absolutely nothing'.
It depends on the tone. It's pragmatic, but can be dismissive if said sharply.
They are almost identical. 'Nützen' is slightly more formal.
No, you don't say 'Du bringst nichts'. You say 'Das bringt nichts mit dir' (It's no use with you).
Yes, it's a more colloquial/slangy version.
You say 'Das hat alles nichts gebracht' or 'Das war alles umsonst'.
Only if you are talking about a failed past strategy. Don't use it to describe the interview itself!
Yes, it needs a subject. 'Bringt nichts' alone is only used in very clipped, informal texting.
The most common opposite is 'Das bringt viel' or 'Das bringt's!'.
Yes, this means 'I don't benefit from this' or 'This is useless to me'.
Related Phrases
Das bringt's!
contrastThat's it! / That's great!
Das hat keinen Sinn.
synonymThat makes no sense / is pointless.
Umsonst sein
similarTo be in vain.
Für die Katz sein
idiomaticTo be for the cat (wasted).
Das führt zu nichts.
similarThat leads to nothing.
