Meaning
To express a dislike or aversion.
Cultural Background
Germans are known for 'Direktheit'. Saying 'Ich mag das nicht' is not seen as an insult but as a helpful piece of information. In Vienna, you might hear 'Das taugt mir nicht', which is a more local way of expressing that something doesn't suit you. Swiss German speakers often use 'Gärn ha' (Gern haben) and negate it: 'Ich ha das nid gärn'. In a German office, be careful. Use 'Ich bin nicht überzeugt' (I am not convinced) instead of 'Ich mag das nicht' to sound more professional.
Add 'wirklich'
Say 'Ich mag das wirklich nicht' to sound more emphatic.
Don't use with people
Saying 'Ich mag dich nicht' is very hurtful. Use it sparingly!
Meaning
To express a dislike or aversion.
Add 'wirklich'
Say 'Ich mag das wirklich nicht' to sound more emphatic.
Don't use with people
Saying 'Ich mag dich nicht' is very hurtful. Use it sparingly!
The 'Das' Flip
Start with 'Das...' to sound more like a native speaker: 'Das mag ich nicht!'
Honesty is key
Don't be afraid to use this in Germany; people prefer honesty over fake smiles.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb form for 'I don't like that'.
Ich ___ das nicht.
The first person singular of 'mögen' is 'mag'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct negation.
The verb must be in position 2, and 'nicht' negates the pronoun 'das'.
Match the situation to the best response.
Someone offers you {ein|n} Bier but you prefer water.
This is the standard way to decline something you don't enjoy.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Magst du {den|m} Film? B: Nein, ___.
The 'Nein' indicates a negative response is needed.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch ___ das nicht.
The first person singular of 'mögen' is 'mag'.
Choose the correct negation.
The verb must be in position 2, and 'nicht' negates the pronoun 'das'.
Someone offers you {ein|n} Bier but you prefer water.
This is the standard way to decline something you don't enjoy.
A: Magst du {den|m} Film? B: Nein, ___.
The 'Nein' indicates a negative response is needed.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, in most daily situations it is considered honest and direct. Just use a neutral tone.
'Das' is more specific (that thing there), while 'es' is more general (it).
Yes, but it's very direct. 'Ich mag ihn nicht' means 'I don't like him'.
Add 'gar' or 'überhaupt': 'Ich mag das gar nicht'.
'Mögen' is an irregular verb. The 'ich' and 'er/sie/es' forms are both 'mag'.
No, 'Ich mag nicht das' sounds like you are about to correct it with something else: '...sondern jenes'.
No, 'I don't want that' is 'Ich möchte das nicht' or 'Ich will das nicht'.
The verb stays 'mag' if the subject is 'Ich'. Example: 'Ich mag {die|f} Äpfel nicht'.
In slang, people just say 'Mag ich nicht' or 'Mag net'.
Use 'Ich mochte das nicht'.
Related Phrases
Ich hasse das
contrastI hate that
Das gefällt mir nicht
similarThat doesn't please me
Ich mag das sehr
contrastI like that a lot
Das ist mir egal
relatedI don't care
Ich kann das nicht leiden
builds onI can't stand that
