Meaning
To indicate a short distance.
Cultural Background
Germans have a high 'walkability' threshold. If something is within a 15-minute walk, it is considered 'nah'. In the mountains, 'nah' can be deceptive. Something might look 'nah' but take an hour to reach due to elevation. Austrians might use 'ums Eck' (around the corner) more frequently in casual conversation than 'nah'. In German versions of apps like Uber or Lieferando, 'nah' is used to indicate the driver or delivery person is arriving.
Use with 'ganz'
Add 'ganz' (ganz nah) to sound more natural when something is very close.
Not for 'closed'
Never use 'nah' to mean a door is shut. Use 'zu' or 'geschlossen'.
Meaning
To indicate a short distance.
Use with 'ganz'
Add 'ganz' (ganz nah) to sound more natural when something is very close.
Not for 'closed'
Never use 'nah' to mean a door is shut. Use 'zu' or 'geschlossen'.
The 'h' is silent
Don't pronounce the 'h' in 'nah'. It's just there to tell you the 'a' is long.
Test Yourself
Which word correctly completes the sentence about distance?
Der Supermarkt ist ______.
'nah' is the adjective for 'near'. 'nach' means 'to', and 'nächste' means 'next'.
Fill in the missing word to say 'The school is near'.
Die {die|f} Schule ______ nah.
The verb 'sein' (to be) conjugated for 'die Schule' (it) is 'ist'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are pointing at a park that is 50 meters away.
Since the park is only 50 meters away, it is 'nah' (near).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ist das Museum weit? B: Nein, ______.
The speaker is confirming that the museum is not far.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Nah vs. Weit
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDer Supermarkt ist ______.
'nah' is the adjective for 'near'. 'nach' means 'to', and 'nächste' means 'next'.
Die {die|f} Schule ______ nah.
The verb 'sein' (to be) conjugated for 'die Schule' (it) is 'ist'.
Situation: You are pointing at a park that is 50 meters away.
Since the park is only 50 meters away, it is 'nah' (near).
A: Ist das Museum weit? B: Nein, ______.
The speaker is confirming that the museum is not far.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, both are correct. 'Das' is more common when pointing at something specific.
It can be both, but in 'Das ist nah', it functions as a predicative adjective.
The word is 'näher'. Example: 'Komm näher!' (Come closer!).
Yes, you can say 'Wir stehen uns nah' (We are close to each other).
The opposite is 'weit' (far).
Only if it comes before a noun (e.g., 'ein naher Ort'). After 'ist', it stays 'nah'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
Yes, in the context of time, like 'Der Frühling ist nah'.
'Nah' is an adjective (is near), 'in der Nähe' is a location (in the vicinity).
It's a 'Dehnungs-h', a silent h that indicates the preceding vowel is long.
Related Phrases
In der Nähe
similarIn the vicinity
Ganz nah
specialized formVery close
Das ist weit
contrastThat is far
Beinahe
builds onAlmost
Nächst-
specialized formNext
